|
Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me. That is a possible
solution--in fact, as matters stand, it isthe most probable one. It is apity,
because in other respects you would really have done verynicely. Hetook the
more chivalrous view, however, and preserved hersecret. His eyes twinkled,and
there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks.
The Copper Beeches,
five mileson the far side of Winchester. Only two days ago I was a happy and
prosperous man, withouta care in the world.
Sir, I cannot find words to thank
you, butyou shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done.
He tossed a
crumpled letter acrossto me.
He opened the yellow envelope,and then, glancing
at the message, threw it across to me. In the first place, I may say that I
have met, on the whole,with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. I know that he has
done no harm and that you willbe sorry for having acted so harshly. Holmes,my
hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint ofchestnut.
It is
avery sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for agood deal. Your
affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequencesto me. I have been
out to Streathamsince I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. For
heavens sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinarymystery! I should be
very glad now to go upstairs, said he.
He hurried to his chamber and was down
again ina few minutes dressed as a common loafer.
I could distinguish
theoutline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in comingin. I saw
an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening,said Mr. Well, Miss
Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles thequestion, said Holmes,
smiling. PerhapsI had better take a look at the lower windows before I go
up.
Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. You look at these
scatteredhouses, and you are impressed by their beauty.
I shallprobably wish to
go over the outside of the house again.
|
