The Birth of Venus

The Birth of Venus
Yes, yes," said Mr. Sleuth hurriedly. "I quite understand! If I feel better I'll come in by the front way, and pay another shilling - that's only fair."
"You needn't do that if you'll just explain what happened here."
The man went and pulled the curtain aside, and put his shoulder against the door. It burst open, and the light, for a moment, blinded Mr. Sleuth.
The Birth of Venus
He passed his hand over his eyes. "Thank you," he muttered, "thank you. I shall get all right out there."
An iron stairway led down into a small stable yard, of which the door opened into a side street.
Mr. Sleuth looked round once more; he really did feel very ill - ill and dazed. How pleasant it would be to take a flying leap over the balcony railing and find rest, eternal rest, below.
The Birth of Venus