Pagina 54 van 657

"Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was

really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock

Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and

started for the Temple to see my husband.

"We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by so

formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when

you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in

peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may

do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly

wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a

weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might

take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to

possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes,

"Very truly yours,

"IRENE NORTON, nee ADLER."