"This chap's shy, I do believe!" And through the mind of the doctor, "Here's another of 'em, all nerves!" They both instantly, from sheer good-natured condescension the one to the other, became at ease.

It was as if a spring had been loosed.

Priam shut the door and shut out the ray of the street lamp.
"I'm afraid there's no light here," said he.
"I'll strike a match," said the doctor.
"Thanks very much," said Priam.
The flare of a wax vesta illumined the splendours of the puce dressing-gown.

But Dr.Cashmore did not blench.

He could flatter himself that in the matter of dressing-gowns he had nothing to learn.
"By the way, what's wrong with him, do you think ?" Priam Farll inquired in his most boyish voice.
"Don't know.