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The King stared at him in amazement.

"Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it."

"I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the

matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good morning." He

bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the

King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his

chambers.

And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom

of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were

beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the

cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And

when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her

photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman.

II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE