One more question. How did your mother take the matter?
She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter
again.
And your father? Did you tell him?
Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had happened, and
that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, what interest could
anyone have in bringing me to the doors of the church, and then leaving
me? Now, if he had borrowed my money, or if he had married me and got
my money settled on him, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was
very independent about money and never would look at a shilling of
mine. And yet, what could have happened? And why could he not write?
Oh, it drives me half-mad to think of it, and I can t sleep a wink at
night. She pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to
sob heavily into it.
I shall glance into the case for you, said Holmes, rising, and I
have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the weight
of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind dwell upon it
further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel vanish from your
memory, as he has done from your life.
Then you don t think I ll see him again?
I fear not.
Then what has happened to him?
You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an accurate
description of him and any letters of his which you can spare.
I advertised for him in last Saturday s _Chronicle_, said she. Here
is the slip and here are four letters from him.
Thank you. And your address?
No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell.
63