Re: Passages: Bruce B and Matt M
[Matthew was visibly confused, mouth tensing askew, eyes hooded, chin turning even deeper to one side. Because his confusion was not directed intensely in Bruce's direction, it gave the illusion of being purely internal, though it was not.] Type of doctor. [Repeated, without understanding. In Matthew's world, admittedly, there were two kinds of doctors, but one of them was the academic (and magical) type. The other was the kind that dispensed medical advice to people that could afford it. Sometimes the line between the two kinds of doctors was thin to the point of nonexistence. Matthew wondered if this meant that Bruce was a learned magician. This might explain his vaguely musty, scholarly scent.] Type of degree. [This confirmed the suspicion in a way. Matthew thought of Strange, the Queen's advisor. His manner changed yet again, this time to a faintly superstitious respectful. He was suddenly conscious of offending.]
Then I perceive I waste your valuable time. [No "thy" and "thee," anymore. Also no warmth. Matthew stood up in what was obviously extensive, painful effort, shifting first one way, then another, to confound gravity and avoid grinding his ribs into his lungs again.] Beg pardon. [Then, thinking this might not be modern enough:] Sorry.