Now for Bickley.

Him I had met on several occasions since our college days, and after I was settled at the Priory from time to time I asked him to stay with me.

At length he came, and I found out that he was not at all comfortable in his London practice which was of a nature uncongenial to him; further, that he did not get on with his partners.

Then, after reflection, I made a suggestion to him.

I pointed out that, owing to its popularity amongst seaside visitors, the neighbourhood of Fulcombe was a rising one, and that although there were doctors in it, there was no really first-class surgeon for miles.
Now Bickley was a first-class surgeon, having held very high hospital appointments, and indeed still holding them.