Watson, by this point, had done a rough job of making himself presentable again following their adventure on the sofa, and he was waiting near the door with Nell, who was growing steadily more impatient about this walk that she had heard mentioned, keyed in to the fact that Watson, at least, was very obviously getting ready to go out. She was circling and whining anxiously and impatiently by the door.

Seeing Holmes reappear, shaved and changed and looking more himself again, Watson was struck with a sudden rush of tender affection. He smiled, the emotion all in his face and eyes, unable to keep it out of his expression. He picked up his stick from beside the door. "Are you ready to go, then?"