صفحة 613 من 657

"Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself

formed some opinion?"

"Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr.

Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not

possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the

matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that

he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an

outbreak?"

"That is a possible solution-in fact, as matters stand, it is the

most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a nice

household for a young lady."

"But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!"

"Well, yes, of course the pay is good-too good. That is what

makes me uneasy. Why should they give you £ 120 a year, when they

could have their pick for £ 40? There must be some strong reason

behind."

"I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would

understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so

much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me."