I've given the place a thorough cleaning.

Let her come," he said to himself, realigning some books whose backs stuck out further than the others on the shelves.

"Everything in good shape.
Except the chimney of the lamp.

Where it bulges, there are caramel specks and blobs of soot, but I can't get the thing out; I don't want to burn my fingers; and anyway, with the shade lowered a bit she won't notice.
"Well, how shall I proceed when she does come ?" he asked himself, sinking into an armchair.

"She enters.Good.I take her hands.