Captain Barker faced round upon the Doctor.
"You said 'at such a time,' sir." "I did." "And why not at this time, as well as another ?" "God bless me! Is it possible you don't know ?" "It is not only possible, but certain." The Doctor bent his head, pointed up at a window, and whispered; then went softly up the three steps into the house.
He left the two friends staring at each other.

They stood and stared at each other for three minutes or more.

Then Captain Barker spoke in a hoarse whisper.
"Jemmy, do you know anything about this--this kind of business ?" "Nothing.

I was abroad, you know, when my own little maid--" "Yes, I remember.

But I thought, perhaps--say, I can't go home till--till I've seen the Doctor again." "Nor I." A dull moan sounded within the house.
"Oh, my God!" groaned Captain Runacles; "Meg--Meg!" A lattice was opened softly above them and the doctor leant out.
"Go away--you two!" he whispered and waved his hand towards the gate.
"But, Doctor--" "H'sh! I'll come and tell you when it's over.