"He's going to be better," Maria answered. "Dr. Crossett is here!"
"Good!" John was greatly relieved. He knew that to no one in the world would Dr. Barnhelm be so willing to turn for help as to this old friend, and he felt that with all his skill, and with his great love, Dr. Crossett might be able to see a way to ease the old man's mind and persuade him to give up his growing habit of moody solitude.
"This is--is a friend of mine, sir, Mr. Barnes," said Maria bashfully, as they entered the front room and saw Barnes standing there.
"No! Not _the_ Mr. Barnes," cried John, greatly pleased.
"I am glad to know you, Mr. Barnes. Very glad!" John shook hands with him heartily, noting with approval his frank, open countenance and his honest, homely manner. "I have heard a lot about you, and I like all that I have heard."
"We are all of us very fond of Maria," continued John. "I wonder if you realize what a lucky fellow you are. There are not many girls like Maria."
"Thank you, sir," responded Mr. Barnes heartily. "One of 'em is enough for me."
Dr. Crossett, followed by Nellie and Mrs. Mooney, whom he had found patiently waiting in the kitchen, came into the room, the Doctor holding Nellie by the hand and looking at her with pride.
"John!" He cried out in surprise and joy, and took his hand as he listened to John's warm greeting. "I am so glad to see you, my boy, and look, look at little Nellie here. Her arm is well. I have never seen a cure more complete." His eyes fell upon Barnes, who was shuffling from one foot to another in an agony of embarrassment. "Ah!" The Doctor knew him at once. "Maria! A sailor! Not the famous Mr. Barnes?"
"I am glad to see you." The Doctor took his hand as cordially as he would that of an old friend. "You know, Mr. Barnes, I had my doubts about there really being any such person. I feared you were a Mrs. Harris."
Maria had been made very happy by the doctors and John's kindness to her lover, but she had no idea of allowing him to bore them, and she knew that these two would have many things to say to one another.
"Now, Mr. Barnes, you go along with Nellie and Mrs. Mooney. They are friends of mine. You can come back here for me about half past seven."
"I'll be here," he answered. "Good day, good day, gentlemen."