Apparently he required time to adjust his mind to the fact that Callandar was in earnest.

The badinage he brushed aside.
"Then you really intend--but how about this office?
If it is not a torn-fool office, where does the necessary rest come in ?" "Rest doesn't mean idleness.

I should die of loafing.

As a matter of fact since coming here I have rested as I have not rested for a year.
Look at me! Can't you see it?
Or is the renovation not yet visible to the naked eye?
Great Scott! I don't need to vegetate in order to rest, do I ?" "No." Another pause ensued during which the gimlet eyes of the professor were busy.

Then he seemed suddenly to leap to the heart of the matter.
"And--Lorna ?" He asked crisply.
It was the other's turn to be silent.