sure, wish to follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I
should call you and give you the chance.
My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything.
I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his professional
investigations, and in admiring the rapid deductions, as swift as
intuitions, and yet always founded on a logical basis with which he
unravelled the problems which were submitted to him. I rapidly threw on
my clothes and was ready in a few minutes to accompany my friend down
to the sitting-room. A lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who
had been sitting in the window, rose as we entered.
Good-morning, madam, said Holmes cheerily. My name is Sherlock
Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, before
whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am glad to see
that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the fire. Pray draw up
to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot coffee, for I observe that
you are shivering.
It is not cold which makes me shiver, said the woman in a low voice,
changing her seat as requested.
What, then?
It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror. She raised her veil as she
spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable state of
agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless frightened eyes,
like those of some hunted animal. Her features and figure were those of
a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot with premature grey, and her
expression was weary and haggard. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one
of his quick, all-comprehensive glances.
You must not fear, said he soothingly, bending forward and patting
her forearm. We shall soon set matters right, I have no doubt. You
have come in by train this morning, I see.
You know me, then?
No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm of
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