About six o'clock I went home, dressed, dined at the Café Royal, and turned into a music-hall. It was a silly show, and I did not stay
long. The night was fine and clear as I walked back to the flat I had hired near Portland Place. The crowd surged past me on the
pavements, busy and chattering, and I envied the people for having something to do. These shop-girls and clerks and dandies and
policemen had some interest in life that kept them going. I gave half-a-crown to a beggar because I saw him yawn; he was a fellow-
sufferer.
My flat was the first floor in a new block behind Langham Place. I was just fitting my key into the door when I noticed a stranger at
my elbow. I had not seen him approach, and the sudden appearance made me start. He was a slim man, with a short brown beard
and small, piercing blue eyes.
"Can I speak to you?" he said. "May I come in for a minute?" He was steadying his voice with an effort, and his hand was pawing
my arm.
I got my door open and motioned him in. No sooner was he over the threshold than he made a dash for my back room, where I
used to write my letters. Then he bolted back.
"le the door locked?" he acked favorichly and he fastened the chain with his own hand
The stranger's conversation and actions in the text reveal that he is
OA. ill-tempered.
OB. paranoid.
OC. violent.
OD. bitter.