a man either to be bored or to lie.
He broke the seal and glanced over the contents.
Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all.
Not social, then?
No, distinctly professional.
And from a noble client?
One of the highest in England.
My dear fellow, I congratulate you.
I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my
client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his case.
It is just possible, however, that that also may not be wanting in this
new investigation. You have been reading the papers diligently of late,
have you not?
It looks like it, said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the
corner. I have had nothing else to do.
It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I read
nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The latter is
always instructive. But if you have followed recent events so closely
you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his wedding?
Oh, yes, with the deepest interest.
That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord St.
Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn over these
papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. This is what he
says:
MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES, Lord Backwater tells me that I may
place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I have
determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you in
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