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[He pauses, noticeably both flattered and mildly flustered by this.]

But why - Of course, I'll do my best to assist her as I may, but surely if he is leading some apparent double life, than that is far more your expertise.

The manner in which he is leading a double life is cause for both of our involvement. But! That is for tomorrow.

[He pushes himself up and off of the sofa, abandoning the useless letters and pocketing the one he has decided to answer. Restless, he starts pacing behind the sofa slowly.]

Does the letter say nothing else on the matter?

Nothing worth noting at the present.

I see.

Well, then, what do you propose to do while we await tomorrow's arrival of Miss O'Brien?

[It seems as if he does not hear the question posed to him for the length of time it takes him to answer.]

I could leave you to your writings, or, perhaps we could dine out.

I trust you would more agreeable with dining out than if I were to pick up my pen once more.

[Watson earns himself a pointed look for that.]

Indeed I would, as would my appetite.

Then I suppose we can say the matter is settled.

[He snorts again, and walks right past Watson and into his open bedroom, calling out to the man.]

I also need to stop at the chemist's while we are out.

To what purpose?

[He goes to retrieve his coat and hat.]

I have run out of various necessities for my experiments.

Ah. [And though Holmes can't see it, he nods anyway.]

[He's making himself as presentable as possible without venturing into the bathroom. When he comes back out into the sitting room, he doesn't sit down again, but hovers near where Watson is sitting.]

I am all out of calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and other bases.

I see no problem in stopping to replenish your supply. You'd no doubt take us there regardless.

[Also he'll be picking up his cocaine, but Watson likely already knows that. If he does not, then he need not know.]

Indeed. I am ready to depart whenever you are, Doctor.

[Watson certainly has an inkling, although it's a subject he wishes to avoid.]

Then let us be off - I daresay the fresh air will be welcome.

At least the fog has settled a bit.

[Grabbing his hat, he picks up Watson's as well and holds it out for the man.]

Thank you, old boy.

[He sets the hat upon his head and motions for Holmes to go first.]

[With a nod of his head, acknowledging the thanks, he exits and swiftly descends the stairs. He doesn't really extend the same courtesy for Watson by waiting for the man before opening the door and exiting onto the street, but he does, at least, leave the door open behind him.]

[Well, that's the most that Watson can ask for, and he closes the door behind him before catching up to Holmes.]

[He's not carrying his walking stick, so his hands are stuck awkwardly into his pockets.] Is there any particular place that you would like to dine at, Watson?

None at all, we may dine wherever it pleases you to.

[Tutting quietly, he removed one hand carefully from his pocket and grabbed at Watson's elbow.] This way, then. We'll go to our usual Strand restuarant.

[He makes an amused snort, following where he is led.]

As you'll have it.