A Scandal In Bohemia
A Scandal in Bohemia His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, "Seven!" I answered. "Then, how do you know?" "Well, some hundreds of times." "Then how many are there?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Peculiar -- that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "But your client --" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. "Come in!" said Holmes. "I promise," said Holmes. "And I." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "I was aware of it," said Holmes drily. Europe. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his gigantic client. I attempt to conceal it?" Imperial Opera of Warsaw -- yes! Retired from operatic stage -- ha! "Was there a secret marriage?" "No legal papers or certificates?" "There is the writing." "We were both in the photograph." "I was mad -- insane." "You have compromised yourself seriously." "It must be recovered." "We have tried and failed." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "She will not sell." "No sign of it?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I am about to be married." "So I have heard." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "I am sure." "And why?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "You have carte blanche." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. ` "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood."` Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the photograph a cabinet?" "It was." howeverlong he might be. I was already deeply interested in his inquiry, for, though it was...