Возвращение Шерлока Холмса
The Adventure of the Norwood Builder
Ofcourse,shewouldnotadmiteventhepossibilityofhisguilt.ButshewouldnotexpresseithersurpriseorregretoverthefateofOldacre.Onthecontrary,shespokeofhimwithsuchbitternessthatshewasunconsciouslyconsiderablystrengtheningthecaseofthepolicefor,ofcourse,ifhersonhadheardherspeakofthemaninthisfashion,itwouldpredisposehimtowardshatredandviolence.‘Hewasmorelikeamalignantandcunningapethanahumanbeing,’saidshe,‘andhealwayswas,eversincehewasayoungman.’
“‘Youknewhimatthattime?’saidI.
“‘Yes,Iknewhimwell,infact,hewasanoldsuitorofmine.ThankheaventhatIhadthesensetoturnawayfromhimandtomarryabetter,ifpoorer,man.Iwasengagedtohim,Mr.Holmes,whenIheardashockingstoryofhowhehadturnedacatlooseinanaviary,andIwassohorrifiedathisbrutalcrueltythatIwouldhavenothingmoretodowithhim.’Sherummagedinabureau,andpresentlysheproducedaphotographofawoman,shamefullydefacedandmutilatedwithaknife.‘Thatismyownphotograph,’shesaid.‘Hesentittomeinthatstate,withhiscurse,uponmyweddingmorning.’
“‘Well,’saidI,‘atleasthehasforgivenyounow,sincehehasleftallhispropertytoyourson.’
“‘NeithermysonnorIwantanythingfromJonasOldacre,deadoralive!’shecried,withaproperspirit.‘ThereisaGodinheaven,Mr.Holmes,andthatsameGodwhohaspunishedthatwickedmanwillshow,inHisowngoodtime,thatmyson’shandsareguiltlessofhisblood.
