Professor Van Helsing took the head of the table, to which Dr.Seward motioned him as he came into the room.

He made me sit next to him on his right, and asked me to act as secretary.

Jonathan sat next to me.

Opposite us were Lord Godalming, Dr.Seward, and Mr.Morris, Lord Godalming being next the Professor, and Dr.Seward in the centre.
The Professor said, "I may, I suppose, take it that we are all acquainted with the facts that are in these papers." We all expressed assent, and he went on, "Then it were, I think, good that I tell you something of the kind of enemy with which we have to deal.

I shall then make known to you something of the history of this man, which has been ascertained for me.