Page 520 sur 657

"I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the

lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of

doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she

had no one to advise her at such a crisis."

"It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon,

tapping his fingers upon the table.

"You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so

unprecedented a position."

"I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have

been shamefully used."

"I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps

on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view

of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here

who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a

lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to

introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I

think, you have already met."