When at last she had finished her toilette and opened the door, she was almost tongue-tied.

He was sitting on the top step, with his back against the landing, and his eyes were closed.

He opened them with a little start, however, as soon as he heard her approach.
"I am glad you have not been long," he remarked.

"I want to be at my office at nine o'clock and I must go and have a bath somewhere.

These stairs are rather steep.