He could have driven there in ten minutes, whereas he must lose more than an hour by going home first and then coming back.

But his courage failed him, he felt faint and sick, and quite unable to bear any great emotion until he had rested and refreshed himself a little.

A long railway journey stupefies some men, but makes others nervous and inclined to exaggerate danger or trouble.
During the last twelve hours Corbario had been forcing himself to decide that he would go to the hospital and know the worst at once, but now that the moment was come he could not do it.
He was walking slowly through the outer hall of the station when a large man came up with him and greeted him quietly.

It was Professor Kalmon.
Corbario started at the sound of his voice.

They had not met since Kalmon had been at the cottage.
"I wish I had known that you were in the train," the Professor said.
"So do I," answered Corbario without enthusiasm.