In a few moments, Alfred Inglethorp had ushered the doctor in, the latter laughing, and protesting that he was in no fit state for a drawing-room. 
Alfred Inglethorp invited the doctor to come in
mnli hypothesis: Alfred Inglethorp invited the doctor to come in premise: In a few moments, Alfred Inglethorp had ushered the doctor in, the latter laughing, and protesting that he was in no fit state for a drawing-room. 