The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Part 23 (2/2)
”Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here
Mrs St Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and youbut a welcoue I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have no news of her husband Here we are Whoa, there, whoa!”
We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its own grounds A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and springing down, I followed Holravel-drive which led to the house As we approached, the door flew open, and a little blonde woht mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy pink chiffon at her neck and wrists She stood with her figure outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing question
”Well?” she cried, ”well?” And then, seeing that there were two of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw that ed his shoulders
”No good news?”
”None”
”No bad?”
”No”
”Thank God for that But co day”
”This is my friend, Dr Watson He has been of most vital use to me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance hashiation”
”I athat ements, when you consider the blohich has come so suddenly upon us”
”My dear ner, and if I were not I can very well see that no apology is needed If I can be of any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be indeed happy”
”Now, Mr Sherlock Hol-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had been laid out, ”I should very much like to ask you one or two plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain answer”
”Certainly, s I a I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion”
”Upon what point?”
”In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?”
Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question
”Frankly, now!” she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair
”Frankly, then, madam, I do not”
”You think that he is dead?”
”I do”
”Murdered?”
”I don't say that Perhaps”
”And on what day did he meet his death?”
”On Monday”