By the time a nurse led another patient over, the Doctor had finished only a few pages, preferring a leisurely read over finishing the novel quickly. The nurse hurried off a moment later, ostensibly to find a book for the gentleman.

The Doctor turned to look at the redhead when he spoke, giving him a friendly smile. "No, not at all!" he said. The man looked as if he were feeling a little ill, or perhaps just uneasy... He'd said he was flustered, and maybe that was the best word. "I'd certainly enjoy the company."

He closed the book in his lap, turning in the chair in order to face the man a little better. "I'm—" he said, pausing suddenly. He'd been about to say 'the Doctor' out of habit, but the reaction the name had gotten from a few of the patients he'd spoken with on the bulletin board had confirmed that Edward had been right. Maybe it was best not to give his name. "Smith," he finished after the second of silence. "John Smith. And you?"