His memory of events were still fresh enough to answer the call that his friend had made on it.

In describing what had happened, he accurately repeated all that the Doctor had said.
Bervie dwelt on the words with alarm in his face as well as surprise.
"A man like me, trying to persuade a woman like--" he checked himself, as if he was afraid to let Charlotte's name pass his lips.

"Trying to induce a woman to go away with me," he resumed, "and persuading her at last?
Pray, go on! What did the Doctor see next ?" "He was too much exhausted, he said, to see any more." "Surely you returned to consult him again ?" "No; I had had enough of it." "When we get to London," said the Captain, "we shall pass along the Strand, on the way to your chambers.

Will you kindly drop me at the turning that leads to the Doctor's lodgings ?" Percy looked at him in amazement.

"You still take it seriously ?" he said.
"Is it _not_ serious ?" Bervie asked.