Page 547 of 657

"So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it

will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an

only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr.

Holmes-a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am

myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very

likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I

had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a

moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it

would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I

meant it for the best.