"It was I who sent for you and your wife,"
said the banker. "Mr. Martine, if possible, would have given you
cause for a great joy only; but I fear it must be tempered with an
anxiety which I trust will not be long continued;" and he led the
way into the parlor.
"Is it--can it be about Albert?" asked Mrs. Nichols trembling, and
sinking into a chair.
"Yes, Mrs. Nichol. Try to keep your fortitude, for perhaps his
welfare depends upon it."
"Oh, God be praised! The hope of this never wholly left me,
because they didn't find his body."
Dr. Barnes came down at once, and with Mr. Kemble tried to soothe
the strong emotions of the parents, while at the same time
enlightening them as to their son's discovery and condition.
"Well," said Mr. Nichol, in strong emphasis; "Hobart Martine is
one of a million."
"I think he ought to have brought Albert right to me first," Mrs.
Nichol added, shaking her head and wiping her eyes. "After all, a
mother's claim--"
"My dear Mrs. Nichol," interrupted Dr. Barnes, "there was no
thought of undervaluing your claim on the part of our friend
Hobart.
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