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ElapticAI-512

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actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a danseuse
at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom for some years.
There are no further particulars, and the whole case is in your hands
now—so far as it has been set forth in the public press.
“And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would not have
missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Watson, and as
the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I have no doubt that this
will prove to be our noble client. Do not dream of going, Watson, for I
very much prefer having a witness, if only as a check to my own
memory.
“Lord Robert St. Simon, announced our page-boy, throwing open the
door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, high-nosed
and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about the mouth, and with
the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose pleasant lot it had ever
been to command and to be obeyed. His manner was brisk, and yet his
general appearance gave an undue impression of age, for he had a slight
forward stoop and a little bend of the knees as he walked. His hair,
too, as he swept off his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the
edges and thin upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the
verge of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white
waistcoat, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured
gaiters. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left
to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his golden
eyeglasses.
“Good-day, Lord St. Simon, said Holmes, rising and bowing. “Pray take
the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson. Draw up
a little to the fire, and we will talk this matter over.
“A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Mr.
Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you have
already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, though I
presume that they were hardly from the same class of society.
“No, I am descending.
“I beg pardon.
“My last client of the sort was a king.
“Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?
“The King of Scandinavia.
“What! Had he lost his wife?
“You can understand, said Holmes suavely, “that I extend to the
affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to you in
yours.
“Of course! Very right! very right! I’m sure I beg pardon. As to my own
case, I am ready to give you any information which may assist you in
forming an opinion.
“Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public prints,
nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct—this article, for
example, as to the disappearance of the bride.
Lord St. Simon glanced over it. “Yes, it is correct, as far as it
goes.
“But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could offer
an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most directly by
questioning you.
“Pray do so.
“When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?
“In San Francisco, a year ago.
“You were travelling in the States?
“Yes.
“Did you become engaged then?
“No.
“But you were on a friendly footing?
“I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was amused.
“Her father is very rich?
“He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope.
“And how did he make his money?
“In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold,
invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds.
“Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady’s—your wife’s
character?
The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down into the
fire. “You see, Mr. Holmes, said he, “my wife was twenty before her
father became a rich man. During that time she ran free in a mining