A privilege afforded to only a few, I’m certain. Take comfort in the fact that both of us will appreciate it for all it’s worth.

[Ultimately, maybe that’s the only comfort he can afford her. Sholmes squeezes her hand, then turns to face the door.]

But the only way to surmount a fear is to gave it head-on! Steel yourself, my dear. Do you hear those footsteps heading up the stairs? Iris approaches!