“Wecanfollowhimto-morrow。”
　　“Canwe？Itisnotsoeasyasyouseemtothink。Youarenot
　　familiarwithCambridgeshirescenery，areyou？Itdoesnotlenditself
　　toconcealment。AllthiscountrythatIpassedoverto-nightisas
　　flatandcleanasthepalmofyourhand，andthemanweare
　　followingisnofool，asheveryclearlyshowedto-night。Ihavewired
　　toOvertontoletusknowanyfreshLondondevelopmentsatthis
　　address，andinthemeantimewecanonlyconcentrateourattention
　　uponDr。Armstrong，whosenametheobligingyoungladyattheoffice
　　allowedmetoreaduponthecounterfoilofStaunton”surgent
　　message。Heknowswheretheyoungmanis-tothatI”llswear，andif
　　heknows，thenitmustbeourownfaultifwecannotmanagetoknow
　　also。Atpresentitmustbeadmittedthattheoddtrickisinhis
　　possession，and，asyouareaware，Watson，itisnotmyhabittoleave
　　thegameinthatcondition。”
　　Andyetthenextdaybroughtusnonearertothesolutionofthe
　　mystery。Anotewashandedinafterbreakfast，whichHolmespassed
　　acrosstomewithasmile。
　　SIR[itran]：
　　Icanassureyouthatyouarewastingyourtimeindoggingmy
　　movements。Ihave，asyoudiscoveredlastnight，awindowatthe
　　backofmybrougham，andifyoudesireatwenty-mileridewhichwill
　　leadyoutothespotfromwhichyoustarted，youhaveonlytofollow
　　me。Meanwhile，Icaninformyouthatnospyinguponmecaninany
　　wayhelpMr。GodfreyStaunton，andIamconvincedthatthebest
　　serviceyoucandotothatgentlemanistoreturnatoncetoLondon
　　andtoreporttoyouremployerthatyouareunabletotracehim。
　　YourtimeinCambridgewillcertainlybewasted。
　　Yoursfaithfully，
　　LESLIEARMSTRONG。
　　“Anoutspoken，honestantagonististhedoctor，“saidHolmes。“Well，
　　well，heexcitesmycuriosity，andImustreallyknowbeforeIleave
　　him。”
　　“Hiscarriageisathisdoornow，“saidI。”Thereheissteppinginto
　　it。Isawhimglanceupatourwindowashedidso。SupposeItrymy
　　luckuponthebicycle？“
　　“No，no，mydearWatson！Withallrespectforyournaturalacumen，I
　　donotthinkthatyouarequiteamatchfortheworthydoctor。Ithink
　　thatpossiblyIcanattainourendbysomeindependentexplorationsof
　　myown。IamafraidthatImustleaveyoutoyourowndevices，as
　　theappearanceoftwoinquiringstrangersuponasleepycountryside
　　mightexcitemoregossipthanIcarefor。Nodoubtyouwillfind
　　somesightstoamuseyouinthisvenerablecity，andIhopetobring
　　backamorefavourablereporttoyoubeforeevening。”
　　Oncemore，however，myfriendwasdestinedtobedisappointed。He
　　camebackatnightwearyandunsuccessful。
　　“Ihavehadablankday，Watson。Havinggotthedoctor”sgeneral
　　direction，Ispentthedayinvisitingallthevillagesuponthatside
　　ofCambridge，andcomparingnoteswithpublicansandotherlocal
　　newsagencies。Ihavecoveredsomeground。Chesterton，Histon，
　　Waterbeach，andOakingtonhaveeachbeenexplored，andhaveeach
　　proveddisappointing。Thedailyappearanceofabroughamandpair
　　couldhardlyhavebeenoverlookedinsuchSleepyHollows。Thedoctor
　　hasscoredoncemore。Isthereatelegramforme？“
　　“Yes，Iopenedit。Hereitis：“AskforPompeyfromJeremyDixon，TrinityCollege。
　　Idon”tunderstandit。”
　　“Oh，itisclearenough。ItisfromourfriendOverton，andisin
　　answertoaquestionfromme。I”lljustsendroundanotetoMr。
　　JeremyDixon，andthenIhavenodoubtthatourluckwillturn。Bythe
　　way，isthereanynewsofthematch？“
　　“Yes，thelocaleveningpaperhasanexcellentaccountinitslast
　　edition。Oxfordwonbyagoalandtwotries。Thelastsentencesofthe
　　descriptionsay：
　　“ThedefeatoftheLightBluesmaybeentirelyattributedtothe
　　unfortunateabsenceofthecrackInternational，GodfreyStaunton，
　　whosewantwasfeltateveryinstantofthegame。Thelackof
　　combinationinthethree-quarterlineandtheirweaknessbothin
　　attackanddefencemorethanneutralizedtheeffortsofaheavyand
　　hard-workingpack。”
　　“ThenourfriendOverton”sforebodingshavebeenjustified，“said
　　Holmes。“PersonallyIaminagreementwithDr。Armstrong，andfootball
　　doesnotcomewithinmyhorizon。Earlytobedto-night，Watson，for
　　Iforeseethatto-morrowmaybeaneventfulday。”
　　IwashorrifiedbymyfirstglimpseofHolmesnextmorning，forhe
　　satbythefireholdinghistinyhypodermicsyringe。Iassociatedthat
　　instrumentwiththesingleweaknessofhisnature，andIfearedthe
　　worstwhenIsawitglitteringinhishand。Helaughedatmy
　　expressionofdismayandlaidituponthetable。
　　“No，no，mydearfellow，thereisnocauseforalarm。Itisnotupon
　　thisoccasiontheinstrumentofevil，butitwillratherprovetobe
　　thekeywhichwillunlockourmystery。OnthissyringeIbaseallmy
　　hopes。Ihavejustreturnedfromasmallscoutingexpedition，and
　　everythingisfavourable。Eatagoodbreakfast，Watson，forI
　　proposetogetuponDr。Armstrong”strailto-day，andonceonitI
　　willnotstopforrestorfooduntilIrunhimtohisburrow。”
　　“Inthatcase，“saidI，“wehadbestcarryourbreakfastwithus，
　　forheismakinganearlystart。Hiscarriageisatthedoor。”
　　“Nevermind。Lethimgo。HewillbecleverifhecandrivewhereI
　　cannotfollowhim。Whenyouhavefinished，comedownstairswithme，
　　andIwillintroduceyoutoadetectivewhoisaveryeminent
　　specialistintheworkthatliesbeforeus。”
　　WhenwedescendedIfollowedHolmesintothestableyard，wherehe
　　openedthedoorofaloose-boxandledoutasquat，lop-eared，
　　white-and-tandog，somethingbetweenabeagleandafoxhound。
　　“LetmeintroduceyoutoPompey，“saidhe。“Pompeyistheprideof
　　thelocaldraghounds-noverygreatflier，ashisbuildwillshow，but
　　astaunchhoundonascent。Well，Pompey，youmaynotbefast，butI
　　expectyouwillbetoofastforacoupleofmiddle-agedLondon
　　gentlemen，soIwilltakethelibertyoffasteningthisleather
　　leashtoyourcollar。Now，boy，comealong，andshowwhatyoucando。”
　　Heledhimacrosstothedoctor”sdoor。Thedogsniffedroundforan
　　instant，andthenwithashrillwhineofexcitementstartedoffdown
　　thestreet，tuggingathisleashinhiseffortstogofaster。In
　　halfanhour，wewereclearofthetownandhasteningdownacountry
　　road。
　　“Whathaveyoudone，Holmes？“Iasked。
　　“Athreadbareandvenerabledevice，butusefuluponoccasion。I
　　walkedintothedoctor”syardthismorning，andshotmysyringefull
　　ofaniseedoverthehindwheel。Adraghoundwillfollowaniseedfrom
　　heretoJohno”Groat”s，andourfriend，Armstrong，wouldhaveto
　　drivethroughtheCambeforehewouldshakePompeyoffhistrail。
　　Oh，thecunningrascal！Thisishowhegavemethesliptheother
　　night。”
　　Thedoghadsuddenlyturnedoutofthemainroadintoa
　　grass-grownlane。Halfamilefartherthisopenedintoanotherbroad
　　road，andthetrailturnedhardtotherightinthedirectionofthe
　　town，whichwehadjustquitted。Theroadtookasweeptothesouthof
　　thetown，andcontinuedintheoppositedirectiontothatinwhich
　　westarted。
　　“Thisdetourhasbeenentirelyforourbenefit，then？“said
　　Holmes。“Nowonderthatmyinquiriesamongthosevillagersledto
　　nothing。Thedoctorhascertainlyplayedthegameforallitisworth，
　　andonewouldliketoknowthereasonforsuchelaboratedeception。
　　ThisshouldbethevillageofTrumpingtontotherightofus。And，
　　byJove！hereisthebroughamcomingroundthecorner。Quick，
　　Watson-quick，orwearedone！“
　　Hesprangthroughagateintoafield，draggingthereluctantPompey
　　afterhim。Wehadhardlygotundertheshelterofthehedgewhenthe
　　carriagerattledpast。IcaughtaglimpseofDr。Armstrongwithin，his
　　shouldersbowed，hisheadsunkonhishands，theveryimageof
　　distress。Icouldtellbymycompanion”sgraverfacethathealso
　　hadseen。
　　“Ifearthereissomedarkendingtoourquest，“saidhe。“Itcannot
　　belongbeforeweknowit。Come，Pompey！Ah，itisthecottagein
　　thefield！“
　　Therecouldbenodoubtthatwehadreachedtheendofour
　　journey。Pompeyranaboutandwhinedeagerlyoutsidethegate，where
　　themarksofthebrougham”swheelswerestilltobeseen。Afootpath
　　ledacrosstothelonelycottage。Holmestiedthedogtothehedge，
　　andwehastenedonward。Myfriendknockedatthelittlerusticdoor，
　　andknockedagainwithoutresponse。Andyetthecottagewasnot
　　deserted，foralowsoundcametoourears-akindofdroneof
　　miseryanddespairwhichwasindescribablymelancholy。Holmespaused
　　irresolute，andthenheglancedbackattheroadwhichhehadjust
　　traversed。Abroughamwascomingdownit，andtherecouldbeno
　　mistakingthosegrayhorses。
　　“ByJove，thedoctoriscomingback！“criedHolmes。“Thatsettles
　　it。Weareboundtoseewhatitmeansbeforehecomes。”
　　Heopenedthedoor，andwesteppedintothehall。Thedroning
　　soundswelledlouderuponourearsuntilitbecameonelong，deepwail
　　ofdistress。Itcamefromupstairs。Holmesdartedup，andIfollowed
　　him。Hepushedopenahalf-closeddoor，andwebothstoodappalled
　　atthesightbeforeus。
　　Awoman，youngandbeautiful，waslyingdeaduponthebed。Her
　　calmpaleface，withdim，wide-openedblueeyes，lookedupwardfrom
　　amidagreattangleofgoldenhair。Atthefootofthebed，half
　　sitting，halfkneeling，hisfaceburiedintheclothes，wasayoung
　　man，whoseframewasrackedbyhissobs。Soabsorbedwashebyhis
　　bittergrief，thatheneverlookedupuntilHolmes”shandwasonhis
　　shoulder。
　　“AreyouMr。GodfreyStaunton？“
　　“Yes，yes，Iam-butyouaretoolate。Sheisdead。”
　　Themanwassodazedthathecouldnotbemadetounderstandthatwe
　　wereanythingbutdoctorswhohadbeensenttohisassistance。
　　Holmeswasendeavouringtoutterafewwordsofconsolationandto
　　explainthealarmwhichhadbeencausedtohisfriendsbyhissudden
　　disappearancewhentherewasastepuponthestairs，andtherewasthe
　　heavy，stern，questioningfaceofDr。Armstrongatthedoor。
　　“So，gentlemen，“saidhe，“youhaveattainedyourendandhave
　　certainlychosenaparticularlydelicatemomentforyourintrusion。
　　Iwouldnotbrawlinthepresenceofdeath，butIcanassureyou
　　thatifIwereayoungermanyourmonstrousconductwouldnotpass
　　withimpunity。”
　　“Excuseme，Dr。Armstrong，Ithinkwearealittleat
　　cross-purposes，“saidmyfriend，withdignity。“Ifyoucouldstep
　　downstairswithus，wemayeachbeabletogivesomelighttothe
　　otheruponthismiserableaffair。”
　　Aminutelater，thegrimdoctorandourselveswereinthe
　　sitting-roombelow。
　　“Well，sir？“saidhe。
　　“Iwishyoutounderstand，inthefirstplace，thatIamnot
　　employedbyLordMount-James，andthatmysympathiesinthismatter
　　areentirelyagainstthatnobleman。Whenamanislostitismyduty
　　toascertainhisfate，buthavingdonesothematterendssofaras
　　Iamconcerned，andsolongasthereisnothingcriminalIammuch
　　moreanxioustohushupprivatescandalsthantogivethem
　　publicity。If，asIimagine，thereisnobreachofthelawinthis
　　matter，youcanabsolutelydependuponmydiscretionandmy
　　cooperationinkeepingthefactsoutofthepapers。”
　　Dr。ArmstrongtookaquickstepforwardandwrungHolmesbythe
　　hand。
　　“Youareagoodfellow，“saidhe。“Ihadmisjudgedyou。Ithank
　　heaventhatmycompunctionatleavingpoorStauntonallalonein
　　thisplightcausedmetoturnmycarriagebackandsotomakeyour
　　acquaintance。Knowingasmuchasyoudo，thesituationisvery
　　easilyexplained。AyearagoGodfreyStauntonlodgedinLondonfora
　　timeandbecamepassionatelyattachedtohislandlady”sdaughter，whom
　　hemarried。Shewasasgoodasshewasbeautifulandasintelligentas
　　shewasgood。Nomanneedbeashamedofsuchawife。ButGodfreywas
　　theheirtothiscrabbedoldnobleman，anditwasquitecertainthat
　　thenewsofhismarriagewouldhavebeentheendofhisinheritance。I
　　knewtheladwell，andIlovedhimforhismanyexcellentqualities。I
　　didallIcouldtohelphimtokeepthingsstraight。Wedidourvery
　　besttokeepthethingfromeveryone，for，whenoncesuchawhisper
　　getsabout，itisnotlongbeforeeveryonehasheardit。Thanksto
　　thislonelycottageandhisowndiscretion，Godfreyhasuptonow
　　succeeded。Theirsecretwasknowntonoonesavetomeandtoone
　　excellentservant，whohasatpresentgoneforassistanceto
　　Trumpington。Butatlasttherecameaterribleblowintheshapeof
　　dangerousillnesstohiswife。Itwasconsumptionofthemostvirulent
　　kind。Thepoorboywashalfcrazedwithgrief，andyethehadtogoto
　　Londontoplaythismatch，forhecouldnotgetoutofitwithout
　　explanationswhichwouldexposehissecret。Itriedtocheerhimupby
　　wire，andhesentmeoneinreply，imploringmetodoallIcould。
　　Thiswasthetelegramwhichyouappearinsomeinexplicablewayto
　　haveseen。Ididnottellhimhowurgentthedangerwas，forIknew
　　thathecoulddonogoodhere，butIsentthetruthtothegirl”s
　　father，andheveryinjudiciouslycommunicatedittoGodfrey。The
　　resultwasthathecamestraightawayinastateborderingon
　　frenzy，andhasremainedinthesamestate，kneelingattheendofher
　　bed，untilthismorningdeathputanendtohersufferings。Thatis
　　all，Mr。Holmes，andIamsurethatIcanrelyuponyourdiscretion
　　andthatofyourfriend。”
　　Holmesgraspedthedoctor”shand。
　　“Come，Watson，“saidhe，andwepassedfromthathouseofgriefinto
　　thepalesunlightofthewinterday-
　　THEEND。
　　1892
　　SHERLOCKHOLMES
　　THEADVENTUREOFTHENOBLEBACHELOR
　　bySirArthurConanDoyle
　　TheLordSt。Simonmarriage，anditscurioustermination，have
　　longceasedtobeasubjectofinterestinthoseexaltedcirclesin
　　whichtheunfortunatebridegroommoves。Freshscandalshaveeclipsed
　　it，andtheirmorepiquantdetailshavedrawnthegossipsawayfrom
　　thisfour-year-olddrama。AsIhavereasontobelieve，however，that
　　thefullfactshaveneverbeenrevealedtothegeneralpublic，and
　　asmyfriendSherlockHolmeshadaconsiderableshareinclearing
　　thematterup，Ifeelthatnomemoirofhimwouldbecomplete
　　withoutsomelittlesketchofthisremarkableepisode。
　　Itwasafewweeksbeforemyownmarriage，duringthedayswhenI
　　wasstillsharingroomswithHolmesinBakerStreet，thathecamehome
　　fromanafternoonstrolltofindaletteronthetablewaitingfor
　　him。Ihadremainedindoorsallday，fortheweatherhadtakena
　　suddenturntorain，withhighautumnalwinds，andtheJezailbullet
　　whichIhadbroughtbackinoneofmylimbsasarelicofmyAfghan
　　campaignthrobbedwithdullpersistence。Withmybodyinone
　　easy-chairandmylegsuponanother，Ihadsurroundedmyselfwitha
　　cloudofnewspapersuntilatlast，saturatedwiththenewsoftheday，
　　Itossedthemallasideandlaylistless，watchingthehugecrest
　　andmonogramupontheenvelopeuponthetableandwonderinglazilywho
　　myfriend”snoblecorrespondentcouldbe。
　　“Hereisaveryfashionableepistle，“Iremarkedasbeentered。
　　“Yourmorningletters，ifIrememberright，werefromafish-monger
　　andatide-waiter。”
　　“Yes，mycorrespondencehascertainlythecharmofvariety，“he
　　answered，smiling，“andthehumblerareusuallythemore
　　interesting。Thislookslikeoneofthoseunwelcomesocialsummonses
　　whichcalluponamaneithertobeboredortolie。”
　　Hebrokethesealandglancedoverthecontents。
　　“Oh，come，itmayprovetobesomethingofinterest，afterall。”
　　“Notsocial，then？“
　　“No，distinctlyprofessional。”
　　“Andfromanobleclient？“
　　“OneofthehighestinEngland。”
　　“Mydearfellow，Icongratulateyou。”
　　“Iassureyou，Watson，withoutaffectation，thatthestatusofmy
　　clientisamatteroflessmomenttomethantheinterestofhiscase。
　　Itisjustpossible，however，thatmaynotbewantinginthisnew
　　investigation。Youhavebeenreadingthepapersdiligentlyoflate，
　　haveyounot？“
　　“Itlookslikeit，“saidIruefully，pointingtoahugebundlein
　　thecorner。“Ihavehadnothingelsetodo。”
　　“Itisfortunate，foryouwillperhapsbeabletopostmeup。Iread
　　nothingexceptthecriminalnewsandtheagonycolumn。Thelatteris
　　alwaysinstructive。Butifyouhavefollowedrecenteventsso
　　closelyyoumusthavereadaboutLordSt。Simonandhiswedding？“
　　“Oh，yes，withthedeepestinterest。”
　　“Thatiswell。TheletterwhichIholdinmyhandisfromLordSt。
　　Simon。Iwillreadittoyou，andinreturnyoumustturnoverthese
　　papersandletmehavewhateverbearsuponthematter。Thisiswhathe
　　says：
　　“MYDEARMR。SHERLOCKHOLMES：
　　“LordBackwatertellsmethatImayplaceimplicitrelianceupon
　　yourjudgmentanddiscretion。Ihavedetermined，therefore，tocan
　　uponyouandtoconsultyouinreferencetotheverypainfulevent
　　whichhasoccurredinconnectionwithmywedding。Mr。Lestrade，of
　　ScotlandYard，isactingalreadyinthematter，butheassuresmethat
　　heseesnoobjectiontoyourcooperation，andthatheeventhinksthat
　　itmightbeofsomeassistance。Iwillcallatfouro”clockinthe
　　afternoon，and，shouldyouhaveanyotherengagementatthattime，I
　　hopethatyouwillpostponeit，asthismatterisofparamount
　　importance。”
　　“Yoursfaithfully，
　　“ST。SIMON。
　　“ItisdatedfromGrosvenorMansions，writtenwithaquillpen，
　　andthenoblelordhashadthemisfortunetogetasmearofinkupon
　　theoutersideofhisrightlittlefinger，“remarkedHolmesashe
　　foldeduptheepistle。
　　“Hesaysfouro”clock。Itisthreenow。Hewillbehereinanhour。”
　　“ThenIhavejusttime，withyourassistance，togetclearupon
　　thesubject。Turnoverthosepapersandarrangetheextractsin
　　theirorderoftime，whileItakeaglanceastowhoourclientis。”
　　Hepickedared-coveredvolumefromalineofbooksofreference
　　besidethemantelpiece。“Hereheis，“saidhe，sittingdownand
　　flatteningitoutuponhisknee。“LordRobertWalsinghamdeVereSt。
　　Simon，secondsonoftheDukeofBalmoral。Hum！Arms：Azure，three
　　caltropsinchiefinchiefoverafesssable。Bornin1846。He”s
　　forty-oneyearsofage，whichismatureformarriage。Was
　　Under-Secretaryforthecoloniesinalateadministration。TheDuke，
　　hisfatherwasatonetimeSecretaryforForeignAffairs。Theyinherit
　　Plantagenetbloodbydirectdescent，andTudoronthedistaffside。
　　Ha！Well，thereisnothingveryinstructiveinallthis。Ithink
　　thatImustturntoyou，Watson，forsomethingmoresolid。”
　　“IhaveverylittledifficultyinfindingwhatIwant“saidI，
　　“forthefactsarequiterecent，andthematterstruckmeas
　　remarkable。Ifearedtoreferthemtoyou，however，asIknewthatyou
　　hadaninquiryonhandandthatyoudislikedtheintrusionofother
　　matters。”
　　“Oh，youmeanthelittleproblemoftheGrosvenorSquarefurniture
　　van。Thatisquiteclearedupnow-though，indeed，itwasobvious
　　fromthefirst。Praygivemetheresultsofyournewspaper
　　selections。”
　　“HereisthefirstnoticewhichIcanfind。Itisinthepersonal
　　columnoftheMorningPost，anddates，asyousee，someweeksback：
　　“Amarriagehasbeenarranged[itsays]andwill，ifrumouris
　　correct，veryshortlytakeplace，betweenLordRobertSt。Simon，
　　secondsonoftheDukeofBalmoral，andMissHattyDoran，theonly
　　daughterofAloysiusDoran，Esq。，ofSanFrancisco，Cal。，U。S。A。
　　Thatisall。”
　　“Terseandtothepoint，“remarkedHolmes，stretchinghislong，thin
　　legstowardsthefire。
　　“Therewasaparagraphamplifyingthisinoneofthesociety
　　papersofthesameweek。Ah，hereitis：
　　“Therewillsoonbeacallforprotectioninthemarriagemarket，
　　forthepresentfree-tradeprincipleappearstotellheavilyagainst
　　ourhomeproduct。Onebyonethemanagementofthenoblehousesof
　　GreatBritainispassingintothehandsofourfaircousinsfrom
　　acrosstheAtlantic。Animportantadditionhasbeenmadeduringthe
　　lastweektothelistoftheprizeswhichhavebeenhomeawaybythese
　　charminginvaders。LordSt。Simon，whohasshownhimselfforover
　　twentyyearsproofagainstthelittlegod”sarrows，hasnowdefinitely
　　announcedhisapproachingmarriagewithMissHattyDoran，the
　　fascinatingdaughterofaCaliforniamillionaire。MissDoran，whose
　　gracefulfigureandstrikingfaceattractedmuchattentionatthe
　　WestburyHousefestivities，isanonlychild，anditiscurrently
　　reportedthatherdowrywillruntoconsiderablyoverthesixfigures，
　　withexpectanciesforthefuture。Asitisanopensecretthatthe
　　DukeofBalmoralhasbeencompelledtosellhispictureswithinthe
　　lastfewyears，andasLordSt。Simonhasnopropertyofhisown
　　savethesmallestateofBirchmoor，itisobviousthattheCalifornian
　　heiressisnottheonlygainerbyanalliancewhichwillenableherto
　　maketheeasyandcommontransitionfromaRepublicanladytoa
　　Britishpeeress。”
　　“Anythingelse？“askedHolmes，yawning。
　　“Oh，yes；plenty。ThenthereisanothernoteintheMorningPost
　　tosaythatthemarriagewouldbeanabsolutelyquietone，thatit
　　wouldbeatSt。George”s，HanoverSquare，thatonlyhalfadozen
　　intimatefriendswouldbeinvited，andthatthepartywouldreturn
　　tothefurnishedhouseatLancasterGatewhichhasbeentakenbyMr。
　　AloysiusDoran。Twodayslater-thatis，onWednesdaylastthereisa
　　curtannouncementthattheweddinghadtakenplace，andthatthe
　　honeymoonwouldbepassedatLordBackwater”splace，nearPetersfield。
　　Thoseareallthenoticeswhichappearedbeforethedisappearanceof
　　thebride。”
　　“Beforethewhat？“askedHolmeswithastart。
　　“Thevanishingofthelady。”
　　“Whendidshevanishthen？“
　　“Attheweddingbreakfast。”
　　“Indeed。Thisismoreinterestingthanitpromisedtobe；quite
　　dramatic，infact。”
　　“Yes；itstruckmeasbeingalittleoutofthecommon。”
　　“Theyoftenvanishbeforetheceremony，andoccasionallyduring
　　thehoneymoon；butIcannotcalltomindanythingquitesopromptas
　　this。Prayletmehavethedetails。”
　　“Iwarnyouthattheyareveryincomplete。”
　　“Perhapswemaymakethemlessso。”
　　“Suchastheyare，theyaresetforthinasinglearticleofa
　　morningpaperofyesterday，whichIwillreadtoyou。Itisheaded，”SingularOccurrenceataFashionableWedding”：
　　“ThefamilyofLordRobertSt。Simonhasbeenthrownintothe
　　greatestconsternationbythestrangeandpainfulepisodeswhich
　　havetakenplaceinconnectionwithhiswedding。Theceremony，as
　　shortlyannouncedinthepapersofyesterday，occurredontheprevious
　　morning；butitisonlynowthatithasbeenpossibletoconfirmthe
　　strangerumourswhichhavebeensopersistentlyfloatingabout。In
　　spiteoftheattemptsofthefriendstohushthematterup，somuch
　　publicattentionhasnowbeendrawntoitthatnogoodpurposecan
　　beservedbyaffectingtodisregardwhatisacommonsubjectfor
　　conversation。
　　“Theceremony，whichwasperformedatSt。George”s，Hanover
　　Square，wasaveryquietone，noonebeingpresentsavethefather
　　ofthebride，Mr。AloysiusDoran，theDuchessofBalmoral，Lord
　　Backwater，LordEustace，andLadyClaraSt。Simontheyoungerbrother
　　andsisterofthebridegroom，andLadyAliciaWhittington。The
　　wholepartyproceededafterwardstothehouseofMr。AloysiusDoran，
　　atLancasterGate，wherebreakfasthadbeenprepared。Itappears
　　thatsomelittletroublewascausedbyawoman，whosenamehasnot
　　beenascertained，whoendeavouredtoforceherwayintothehouse
　　afterthebridalparty，allegingthatshehadsomeclaimuponLordSt。
　　Simon。Itwasonlyafterapainfulandprolongedscenethatshewas
　　ejectedbythebutlerandthefootman。Thebride，whohad
　　fortunatelyenteredthehousebeforethisunpleasantinterruption，had
　　satdowntobreakfastwiththerest，whenshecomplainedofasudden
　　indispositionandretiredtoherroom。Herprolongedabsencehaving
　　causedsomecomment，herfatherfollowedher，butlearnedfromher
　　maidthatshehadonlycomeuptoherchamberforaninstant，caught
　　upanulsterandbonnet，andhurrieddowntothepassage。Oneofthe
　　footmendeclaredthathehadseenaladyleavethehousethus
　　apparelled，buthadrefusedtocreditthatitwashismistress，
　　believinghertobewiththecompany。Onascertainingthathis
　　daughterhaddisappeared，Mr。AloysiusDoran，inconjunctionwith
　　thebridegroom，instantlyputthemselvesincommunicationwiththe
　　police，andveryenergeticinquiriesarebeingmade，whichwill
　　probablyresultinaspeedyclearingupofthisverysingular
　　business。Uptoalatehourlastnight，however，nothinghad
　　transpiredastothewhereaboutsofthemissinglady。Thereare
　　rumoursoffoulplayinthematter，anditissaidthatthepolice
　　havecausedthearrestofthewomanwhohadcausedtheoriginal
　　disturbance，inthebeliefthat，fromjealousyorsomeothermotive，
　　shemayhavebeenconcernedinthestrangedisappearanceofthe
　　bride。”
　　“Andisthatall？“
　　“Onlyonelittleiteminanotherofthemorningpapers，butitis
　　asuggestiveone。”
　　“Anditis-“
　　“ThatMissFloraMillar，theladywhohadcausedthedisturbance，
　　hasactuallybeenarrested。Itappearsthatshewasformerlya
　　danseuseattheAllegro，andthatshehasknownthebridegroomfor
　　someyears。Therearenofurtherparticulars，andthewholecaseisin
　　yourhandsnow-sofarasithasbeensetforthinthepublicpress。”
　　“Andanexceedinglyinterestingcaseitappearstobe。Iwouldnot
　　havemisseditforworlds。Butthereisaringatthebell，Watson，
　　andastheclockmakesitafewminutesafterfour，Ihavenodoubt
　　thatthiswillprovetobeournobleclient。Donotdreamofgoing，
　　Watson，forIverymuchpreferhavingawitness，ifonlyasacheckto
　　myownmemory。”
　　“LordRobertSt。Simon，“announcedourpage-boy，throwingopenthe
　　door。Agentlemanentered，withapleasant，culturedface，
　　high-nosedandpale，withsomethingperhapsofpetulanceaboutthe
　　mouth，andwiththesteady，well-openedeyeofamanwhosepleasant
　　lotithadeverbeentocommandandtobeobeyed。Hismannerwas
　　brisk，andyethisgeneralappearancegaveanundueimpressionofage，
　　forhehadaslightforwardstoopandalittlebendofthekneesashe
　　walked。Hishair，too，ashesweptoffhisverycurly-brimmedhat
　　wasgrizzledroundtheedgesandthinuponthetop。Astohisdress，
　　itwascarefultothevergeoffoppishness，withhighcollar，black
　　frock-coat，whitewaistcoat，yellowgloves，patentleathershoes，
　　andlight-colouredgaiters。Headvancedslowlyintotheroom，
　　turninghisheadfromlefttoright，andswinginginhisrighthand
　　thecordwhichheldhisgoldeneyeglasses。
　　“Good-day，LordSt。Simon，“saidHolmes，risingandbowing。“Pray
　　takethebasket-chair。Thisismyfriendandcolleague，Dr。Watson。
　　Drawupalittletothefire，andwewilltalkthismatterover。”
　　“Amostpainfulmattertome，asyoucanmostreadilyimagine，Mr。
　　Holmes。Ihavebeencuttothequick。Iunderstandthatyouhave
　　alreadymanagedseveraldelicatecasesofthissort，sir，thoughI
　　presumethattheywerehardlyfromthesameclassofsociety。”
　　“No，Iamdescending。”
　　“Ibegpardon。”
　　“Mylastclientofthesortwasaking。”
　　“Oh，really！Ihadnoidea。Andwhichking？“
　　“TheKingofScandinavia。”
　　“What！Hadhelosthiswife？“
　　“Youcanunderstand，“saidHolmessuavely，“thatIextendtothe
　　affairsofmyotherclientsthesamesecrecywhichIpromisetoyouin
　　yours。”
　　“Ofcourse！Veryright！veryright！I”msureIbegpardon。Asto
　　myowncase，Iamreadytogiveyouanyinformationwhichmayassist
　　youinforminganopinion。”
　　“Thankyou。Ihavealreadylearnedallthatisinthepublicprints，
　　nothingmore。IpresumethatImaytakeitascorrect-thisarticle，
　　forexample，astothedisappearanceofthebride。”
　　LordSt。Simonglancedoverit。“Yes，itiscorrect，asfarasit
　　goes。”
　　“Butitneedsagreatdealofsupplementingbeforeanyonecould
　　offeranopinion。IthinkthatImayarriveatmyfactsmost
　　directlybyquestioningyou。”
　　“Praydoso。”
　　“WhendidyoufirstmeetMissHattyDoran？“
　　“InSanFrancisco，ayearago。”
　　“YouweretravellingintheStates？“
　　“Yes。”
　　“Didyoubecomeengagedthen？“
　　“No。”
　　“Butyouwereonafriendlyfooting？“
　　“Iwasamusedbyhersociety，andshecouldseethatIwasamused。”
　　“Herfatherisveryrich？“
　　“HeissaidtobetherichestmanonthePacificslope。”
　　“Andhowdidhemakehismoney？“
　　“Inmining。Hehadnothingafewyearsago。Thenhestruckgold，
　　investedit，andcameupbyleapsandbounds。”
　　“Now，whatisyourownimpressionastotheyounglady”s-yourwife”s
　　character？“
　　Thenoblemanswunghisglassesalittlefasterandstareddown
　　intothefire。“Yousee，Mr。Holmes，“saidhe，“mywifewastwenty
　　beforeherfatherbecamearichman。Duringthattimesheranfree
　　inaminingcampandwanderedthroughwoodsormountains，sothat
　　hereducationhascomefromNatureratherthanfromthe
　　schoolmaster。SheiswhatwecallinEnglandatomboy，withastrong
　　nature，wildandfree，unfetteredbyanysortoftraditions。Sheis
　　impetuous，volcanic，Iwasabouttosay。Sheisswiftinmakingupher
　　mindandfearlessincarryingoutherresolutions。Ontheother
　　hand，IwouldnothavegivenherthenamewhichIhavethehonourto
　　bear“-hegavealittlestatelycough-“hadnotIthoughthertobeat
　　bottomanoblewoman。Ibelievethatsheiscapableofheroic
　　self-sacrificeandthatanythingdishonourablewouldberepugnantto
　　her。”
　　“Haveyouherphotograph？“
　　“Ibroughtthiswithme。”Heopenedalocketandshowedusthe
　　fullfaceofaverylovelywoman。Itwasnotaphotographbutanivory
　　miniature，andtheartisthadbroughtoutthefulleffectofthe
　　lustrousblackhair，thelargedarkeyes，andtheexquisitemouth。
　　Holmesgazedlongandearnestlyatit。Thenheclosedthelocketand
　　handeditbacktoLordSt。Simon。
　　“TheyoungladycametoLondon，then，andyourenewedyour
　　acquaintance？“
　　“Yes，herfatherbroughtheroverforthislastLondonseason。Imet
　　herseveraltimes，becameengagedtoher，andhavenowmarriedher。”
　　“Shebrought，Iunderstand，aconsiderabledowry？“
　　“Afairdowry。Notmorethanisusualinmyfamily。”
　　“Andthis，ofcourse，remainstoyou，sincethemarriageisafait
　　accompli？“
　　“Ireallyhavemadenoinquiriesonthesubject。”
　　“Verynaturallynot。DidyouseeMissDoranonthedaybeforethe
　　wedding？“
　　“Yes。”
　　“Wassheingoodspirits？“
　　“Neverbetter。Shekepttalkingofwhatweshoulddoinourfuture
　　lives。”
　　“IndeedThatisveryinteresting。Andonthemorningofthe
　　wedding？“
　　“Shewasasbrightaspossible-atleastuntilaftertheceremony。”
　　“Anddidyouobserveanychangeinherthen？“
　　“Well，totellthetruth，IsawthenthefirstsignsthatIhadever
　　seenthathertemperwasjustalittlesharp。Theincident，however，
　　wastootrivialtorelateandcanhavenopossiblebearinguponthe
　　case。”
　　“Prayletushaveit，forallthat。”
　　“Oh，itischildish。Shedroppedherbouquetaswewenttowards
　　thevestry。Shewaspassingthefrontpewatthetime，anditfell
　　overintothepew。Therewasamoment”sdelay，butthegentlemanin
　　thepewhandedituptoheragain，anditdidnotappeartobethe
　　worseforthefall。YetwhenIspoketoherofthematter，she
　　answeredmeabruptly，andinthecarriage，onourwayhome，sheseemed
　　absurdlyagitatedoverthistriflingcause。”
　　“IndeedYousaythattherewasagentlemaninthepew。Someofthe
　　generalpublicwerepresent，then？“
　　“Oh，yes。Itisimpossibletoexcludethemwhenthechurchisopen。”
　　“Thisgentlemanwasnotoneofyourwife”sfriends？“
　　“No，no，Icallhimagentlemanbycourtesy，buthewasquitea
　　commonlookingperson。Ihardlynoticedhisappearance。ButreallyI
　　thinkthatwearewanderingratherfarfromthepoint。”
　　“LadySt。Simon，then，returnedfromtheweddinginaless
　　cheerfulframeofmindthanshehadgonetoit。Whatdidshedoon
　　reenteringherfather”shouse？“
　　“Isawherinconversationwithhermaid。”
　　“Andwhoishermaid？“
　　“Aliceishername。SheisanAmericanandcamefromCaliforniawith
　　her。”
　　“Aconfidentialservant？“
　　“Alittletoomuchso。Itseemedtomethathermistressallowedher
　　totakegreatliberties。Still，ofcourse，inAmericatheylookupon
　　thesethingsinadifferentway。
　　“HowlongdidshespeaktothisAlice？“
　　“Oh，afewminutes。Ihadsomethingelsetothinkof。”
　　“Youdidnotoverhearwhattheysaid？“
　　“LadySt。Simonsaidsomethingabout”jumpingaclaim。”Shewas
　　accustomedtouseslangofthekind。Ihavenoideawhatshemeant。”
　　“Americanslangisveryexpressivesometimes。Andwhatdidyourwife
　　dowhenshefinishedspeakingtohermaid？“
　　“Shewalkedintothebreakfast-room。”
　　“Onyourarm？“
　　“No，alone。Shewasveryindependentinlittlematterslikethat。
　　Then，afterwehadsatdownfortenminutesorso，sherosehurriedly，
　　mutteredsomewordsofapology，andlefttheroom。Shenevercame
　　back。”
　　“Butthismaid，Alice，asIunderstand，deposesthatshewenttoher
　　room，coveredherbride”sdresswithalongulster，putonabonnet，
　　andwentout。”
　　“Quiteso。AndshewasafterwardsseenwalkingintoHydeParkin
　　companywithFloraMillar，awomanwhoisnowincustody，andwho
　　hadalreadymadeadisturbanceatMr。Doran”shousethatmorning。”
　　“Ah，yes。Ishouldlikeafewparticularsastothisyounglady，and
　　yourrelationstoher。”
　　LordSt。Simonshruggedhisshouldersandraisedhiseyebrows。“We
　　havebeenonafriendlyfootingforsomeyears-Imaysayonavery
　　friendlyfooting。SheusedtobeattheAllegro。Ihavenottreated
　　herungenerously，andshehadnojustcauseofcomplaintagainstme，
　　butyouknowwhatwomenare，Mr。Holmes。Florawasadearlittle
　　thing，butexceedinglyhot-headedanddevotedlyattachedtome。She
　　wrotemedreadfulletterswhensheheardIwasabouttobemarried，
　　and，totellthetruth，thereasonwhyIhadthemarriagecelebrated
　　soquietlywasthatIfearedlesttheremightbeascandalinthe
　　church。ShecametoMr。Doran”sdoorjustafterwereturned，andshe
　　endeavouredtopushherwayin，utteringveryabusiveexpressionsmy
　　wife，andeventhreateningher，butIhadforeseenthepossibility
　　ofsomethingofthesort，andIhadtwopolicefellowstherein
　　privateclothes，whosoonpushedheroutagain。Shewasquietwhenshe
　　sawthattherewasnogoodinmakingarow。”
　　“Didyourwifehearallthis？“
　　“No，thankgoodness，shedidnot。”
　　“Andshewasseenwalkingwiththisverywomanafterwards？“
　　“Yes。ThatiswhatMr。Lestrade，ofScotlandYard，looksuponas
　　soserious。ItisthoughtthatFloradecoyedmywifeoutandlaidsome
　　terribletrapforher。”
　　“Well，itisapossiblesupposition。”
　　“Youthinkso，too？“
　　“Ididnotsayaprobableone。Butyoudonotyourselflookupon
　　thisaslikely？“
　　“IdonotthinkFlorawouldhurtafly。”
　　“Still，jealousyisastrangetransformerofcharacters。Praywhat
　　isyourowntheoryastowhattookplace？“
　　“Well，really，Icametoseekatheory，nottopropoundone。I
　　havegivenyouallthefacts。Sinceyouaskme，however，Imaysay
　　thatithasoccurredtomeaspossiblethattheexcitementofthis
　　affair，theconsciousnessthatshehadmadesoimmenseasocial
　　stride，hadtheeffectofcausingsomelittlenervousdisturbancein
　　mywife。”
　　“Inshort，thatshehadbecomesuddenlyderanged？“
　　“Well，really，whenIconsiderthatshehasturnedherback-Iwill
　　notsayuponme，butuponsomuchthatmanyhaveaspiredtowithout
　　success-Icanhardlyexplainitinanyotherfashion。”
　　“Well，certainlythatisalsoaconceivablehypothesis，“said
　　Holmes，smiling。“Andnow，LordSt。Simon，IthinkthatIhave
　　nearlyallmydata。MayIaskwhetheryouwereseatedatthe
　　breakfast-tablesothatyoucouldseeoutofthewindow？“
　　“WecouldseetheothersideoftheroadandthePark。”
　　“Quiteso。ThenIdonotthinkthatIneedtodetainyoulonger。I
　　shallcommunicatewithyou。”
　　“Shouldyoubefortunateenoughtosolvethisproblem，“saidour
　　client，rising。
　　“Ihavesolvedit。”
　　“Eh？Whatwasthat？“
　　“IsaythatIhavesolvedit。”
　　“Where，then，ismywife？“
　　“ThatisadetailwhichIshallspeedilysupply。”
　　LordSt。Simonshookhishead。“Iamafraidthatitwilltake
　　wiserheadsthanyoursormine，“heremarked，andbowinginastately，
　　old-fashionedmannerhedeparted。
　　“ItisverygoodofLordSt。Simontohonourmyheadbyputtingit
　　onalevelwithhisown，“saidSherlockHolmes，laughing。“Ithink
　　thatishallhaveawhiskyandsodaandacigarafterallthis
　　cross-questioning。Ihadformedmyconclusionsastothecasebefore
　　ourclientcameintotheroom。”
　　“MydearHolmes！“
　　“Ihavenotesofseveralsimilarcases，thoughnone，asIremarked
　　before，whichwerequiteasprompt。Mywholeexaminationservedto
　　turnmyconjectureintoacertainty。Circumstantialevidenceis
　　occasionallyveryconvincing，aswhenyoufindatroutinthemilk，to
　　quoteThoreau”sexample。”
　　“ButIhaveheardallthatyouhaveheard。”
　　“Without，however，theknowledgeofprexistingcaseswhichservesme
　　sowell。TherewasaparallelinstanceinAberdeensomeyearsback，
　　andsomethingonverymuchthesamelinesatMunichtheyearafterthe
　　Franco-PrussianWar。Itisoneofthesecases-but，hello，hereis
　　Lestrade！Good-afternoon，Lestrade！Youwillfindanextratumbler
　　uponthesideboard，andtherearecigarsinthebox。”
　　Theofficialdetectivewasattiredinapea-jacketandcravat
　　whichgavehimadecidedlynauticalappearance，andhecarriedablack
　　canvasbaginhishand。Withashortgreetingheseatedhimselfand
　　litthecigarwhichhadbeenofferedtohim。
　　“What”sup，then？“askedHolmeswithatwinkleinhiseye。“Youlook
　　dissatisfied。”
　　“AndIfeeldissatisfied。ItisthisinfernalSt。Simonmarriage
　　case。Icanmakeneitherheadnortailofthebusiness。”
　　“Really！Yousurpriseme。”
　　“Whoeverheardofsuchamixedaffair？Everyclueseemstoslip
　　throughmyfingers。Ihavebeenatworkuponitallday。”
　　“Andverywetitseemstohavemadeyou，“saidHolmes，layinghis
　　handuponthearmofthepea-jacket。
　　“Yes，IhavebeendraggingtheSerpentine。”
　　“Inheaven”sname，whatfor？“
　　“InsearchofthebodyofladySt。Simon。”
　　SherlockHolmesleanedbackinhischairandlaughedheartily。
　　“HaveyoudraggedthebasinofTrafalgarSquarefountain？“heasked。
　　“Why？Whatdoyoumean？“
　　“Becauseyouhavejustasgoodachanceoffindingthisladyin
　　theoneasintheother。”
　　Lestradeshotanangryglanceatmycompanion。“Isupposeyouknow
　　allaboutit“hesnarled。
　　“Well，Ihaveonlyjustheardthefacts，butmymindismadeup。”
　　“Oh，indeed！ThenyouthinkthattheSerpentineplaysnopartinthe
　　matter？“
　　“Ithinkitveryunlikely。”
　　“Thenperhapsyouwillkindlyexplainhowitisthatwefoundthis
　　init？“Heopenedhisbagashespoke，andtumbledontothefloora
　　wedding-dressofwateredsilk，apairofwhitesatinshoes，anda
　　bride”swreathandveil，alldiscolouredandsoakedinwater。“There，“
　　saidhe，puttinganewwedding-ringuponthetopofthepile。“There
　　isalittlenutforyoutocrack，MasterHolmes。”
　　“Oh，indeed！“saidmyfriend，blowingblueringsintotheair。
　　“YoudraggedthemfromtheSerpentine？“
　　“No。Theywerefoundfloatingnearthemarginbyapark-keeper。They
　　havebeenidentifiedasherclothes，anditseemedtomethatifthe
　　clothesweretherethebodywouldnotbefaroff。”
　　“Bythesamebrilliantreasoning，everyman”sbodyistobefoundin
　　theneighbourhoodofhiswardrobe。Andpraywhatdidyouhopeto
　　arriveatthroughthis？“
　　“AtsomeevidenceimplicatingFloraMillarinthedisappearance。”
　　“Iamafraidthatyouwillfinditdifficult。”
　　“Areyou，indeed，now？“criedLestradewithsomebitterness。Iam
　　afraid，Holmes，thatyouarenotverypracticalwithyourdeductions
　　andyourinferences。Youhavemadetwoblundersinasmanyminutes。
　　ThisdressdoesimplicateMissFloraMillar。”
　　“Andhow？“
　　“Inthedressisapocket。Inthepocketisacard-case。Inthe
　　card-caseisanote。Andhereistheverynote。”Heslappeditdown
　　uponthetableinfrontofhim。“Listentothis：
　　“Youwillseemewhenallisready。Comeatonce。”F。H。M。”
　　NowmytheoryallalonghasbeenthatLadySt。Simonwasdecoyed
　　awaybyFloraMillar，andthatshe，withconfederates，nodoubt，was
　　responsibleforherdisappearance。Here，signedwithherinitials，
　　istheverynotewhichwasnodoubtquietlyslippedintoherhandat
　　thedoorandwhichluredherwithintheirreach。”
　　“Verygood，Lestrade，“saidHolmes，laughing。“Youreallyarevery
　　fineindeed。Letmeseeit。”Hetookupthepaperinalistlessway，
　　buthisattentioninstantlybecameriveted，andhegavealittlecry
　　ofsatisfaction。“Thisisindeedimportant，“saidhe。
　　“Ha！youfinditso？“
　　“Extremelyso。Icongratulateyouwarmly。”
　　Lestraderoseinhistriumphandbenthisheadtolook。“Why，“he
　　shrieked，“you”relookingatthewrongside！“
　　“Onthecontrary，thisistherightside。”
　　“Therightside？You”remad！Hereisthenotewritteninpencilover
　　here。”
　　“Andoverhereiswhatappearstobethefragmentofahotelbill，
　　whichinterestsmedeeply。”
　　“There”snothinginit。Ilookedatitbefore，“saidLestrade。
　　“Oct。4th，rooms8s。，breakfast2s。6d。，cocktail1s。，lunch2S。
　　6d。，glasssherry，8d。”
　　“Iseenothinginthat。”
　　“Verylikelynot。Itismostimportant，allthesame。Astothe
　　note，itisimportantalso，oratleasttheinitialsare，soI
　　congratulateyouagain。”
　　“I”vewastedtimeenough，“saidLestrade，rising。“Ibelieveinhard
　　workandnotinsittingbythefirespinningfinetheories。
　　Good-day，Mr。Holmes，andweshallseewhichgetstothebottomofthe
　　matterfirst。”Hegatheredupthegarments，thrustthemintothe
　　bag，andmadeforthedoor。
　　“Justonehinttoyou，Lastrade，“drawledHolmesbeforehisrival
　　vanished；“Iwilltellyouthetruesolutionofthematter。LadySt。
　　Simonisamyth。Thereisnot，andthereneverhasbeen，anysuch
　　person。”
　　Lestradelookedsadlyatmycompanion。Thenheturnedtome，
　　tappedhisforeheadthreetimes，shookhisheadsolemnly，and
　　hurriedaway。
　　HehadhardlyshutthedoorbehindhimwhenHolmesrosetoputon
　　hisovercoat。“Thereissomethinginwhatthefellowsaysabout
　　outdoorwork，“heremarked，“soIthink，Watson，thatImustleaveyou
　　toyourpapersforalittle。”
　　Itwasafterfiveo”clockwhenSherlockHolmesleftme，butIhadno
　　timetobelonely，forwithinanhourtherearrivedaconfectioners
　　manwithaverylargeflatbox。Thisheunpackedwiththehelpofa
　　youthwhomhehadbroughtwithhim，andpresently，tomyverygreat
　　astonishment，aquiteepicureanlittlecoldsupperbegantobelaid
　　outuponourhumblelodging-housemahogany。Therewereacoupleof
　　braceofcoldwoodcock，apheasant，apatedefoiegraspiewitha
　　groupofancientandcobwebbybottles。Havinglaidoutallthese
　　luxuries，mytwovisitorsvanishedaway，likethegeniioftheArabian
　　Nights，withnoexplanationsavethatthethingshadbeenpaidforand
　　wereorderedtothisaddress。
　　Justbeforenineo”clockSherlockHolmessteppedbrisklyintothe
　　room。Hisfeaturesweregravelysetbuttherewasalightinhiseye
　　whichmademethinkthathehadnotbeendisappointedinhis
　　conclusions。
　　“Theyhavelaidthesupper，then，“hesaid，rubbinghishands。
　　“Youseemtoexpectcompany。Theyhavelaidforfive。”
　　“Yes，Ifancywemayhavesomecompanydroppingin，“saidhe。“I
　　amsurprisedthatLordSt。Simonhasnotalreadyarrived。Ha！I
　　fancythatIhearhisstepnowuponthestairs。”
　　Itwasindeedourvisitoroftheafternoonwhocamebustlingin，
　　danglinghisglassesmorevigorouslythanever，andwithavery
　　perturbedexpressionuponhisaristocraticfeatures。
　　“Mymessengerreachedyou，then？“askedHolmes。
　　“Yes，andIconfessthatthecontentsstartledmebeyondmeasure。
　　Haveyougoodauthorityforwhatyousay？“
　　“Thebestpossible。”
　　LordSt。Simonsankintoachairandpassedhishandoverhis
　　foreheadauthority
　　“WhatwilltheDukesay，“hemurmured，“whenhehearsthatoneof
　　thefamilyhasbeensubjectedtosuchhumiliation？“
　　“Itisthepurestaccident。Icannotallowthatthereisany
　　humiliation。”
　　“Ah，youlookonthesethingsfromanotherstandpoint。”
　　“Ifailtoseethatanyoneistoblame。Icanhardlyseehowthe
　　ladycouldhaveactedotherwise，thoughherabruptmethodofdoing
　　itwasundoubtedlytoberegretted。Havingnomother，shehadnoone
　　toadviseheratsuchacrisis。”
　　“Itwasaslight，sir，apublicslight，“saidLordSt。Simon，
　　tappinghisfingersuponthetable。
　　“Youmustmakeallowanceforthispoorgirl，placedinso
　　unprecedented。aposition。”
　　“Iwillmakenoallowance。Iamveryangryindeed，andIhavebeen
　　shamefullyused。”
　　“IthinkthatIheardaring，“saidHolmes。“Yes，therearestepson
　　thelanding。IfIcannotpersuadeyoutotakealenientviewofthe
　　matter，LordSt。Simon，Ihavebroughtanadvocateherewhomaybe
　　moresuccessful。”Heopenedthedoorandusheredinaladyand
　　gentleman。“LordSt。Simon，“saidhe，“allowmetointroduceyouto
　　Mr。andMrs。FrancisHayMoulton。Thelady，Ithink，youhave
　　alreadymet。”
　　Atthesightofthesenewcomersourclienthadsprungfromhis
　　seatandstoodveryerect，withhiseyescastdownandhishandthrust
　　intothebreastofhisfrock-coat，apictureofoffendeddignity。
　　Theladyhadtakenaquickstepforward，buthadheldoutherhand
　　tohim，buthestillrefusedtoraisehiseyes。Itwasaswellforhis
　　resolution，perhaps，forherpleadingfacewasonewhichitwashard
　　toresist。
　　“You”reangry，Robert，“saidshe。“Well，Iguessyouhaveevery
　　causetobe。”
　　“Praymakenoapologytome，“saidLordSt。Simonbitterly。
　　“Oh，yes，IknowthatIhavetreatedyourealbadandthatI
　　shouldhavespokentoyoubeforeIwent；butIwaskindofrattled，
　　andfromthetimewhenIsawFrankhereagainIjustdidn”tknow
　　whatIwasdoingorsaying。IonlywonderIdidn”tfalldownanddo
　　afaintrighttherebeforethealtar。”
　　“Perhaps，Mrs。Moulton，youwouldlikemyfriendandmetoleavethe
　　roomwhileyouexplainthismatter？“
　　“IfImaygiveanopinion，“remarkedthestrangegentleman，“we”ve
　　hadjustalittletoomuchsecrecyoverthisbusinessalready。For
　　mypart，IshouldlikeallEuropeandAmericatoheartherightsof
　　it。”Hewasasmall，wiry，sunburntman，clean-shaven，withasharp
　　faceandalertmanner。
　　“ThenI”lltellourstoryrightaway，“saidthelady。“Frankhere
　　andImetin”84，inMcQuire”scamp，neartheRockies，wherepawas
　　workingaclaim。Wewereengagedtoeachother，FrankandI；but
　　thenonedayfatherstruckarichpocketandmadeapile，whilepoor
　　Frankherehadaclaimthatpeteredoutandcametonothing。The
　　richerpagrewthepoorerwasFrank；soatlastpawouldn”thearof
　　ourengagementlastinganylonger，andhetookmeawayto”Frisco。
　　Frankwouldn”tthrowuphishand，though；sohefollowedmethere，and
　　hesawmewithoutpaknowinganythingaboutit。Itwouldonlyhave
　　madehimmadtoknow，sowejustfixeditallupforourselves。
　　Franksaidthathewouldgoandmakehispile，too，andnevercome
　　backtoclaimmeuntilhehadasmuchaspa。SothenIpromisedto
　　waitforhimtotheendoftimeandpledgedmyselfnottomarryanyone
　　elsewhilehelived。”Whyshouldn”twebemarriedrightaway，then”
　　saidhe，”andthenIwillfeelsureofyou；andIwon”tclaimtobe
　　yourhusbanduntilIcomeback？”Well，wetalkeditover，andhehad
　　fixeditallupsonicely，withaclergymanallreadyinwaiting，that
　　wejustdiditrightthere；andthenFrankwentofftoseekhis
　　fortune，andIwentbacktopa。