Спогади Шерлока Холмса
The Yellow Face
Wehavenothadadifference,notone,inthoughtorwordordeed.Andnow,sincelastMonday,therehassuddenlysprungupabarrierbetweenus,andIfindthatthereissomethinginherlifeandinherthoughtsofwhichIknowaslittleasifshewerethewomanwhobrushesbymeinthestreet.Weareestranged,andIwanttoknowwhy.
"NowthereisonethingthatIwanttoimpressuponyoubeforeIgoanyfurther,Mr.Holmes.Effielovesme.Don’tlettherebeanymistakeaboutthat.Shelovesmewithherwholeheartandsoul,andnevermorethannow.Iknowit.Ifeelit.Idon’twanttoargueaboutthat.Amancantelleasilyenoughwhenawomanloveshim.Butthere’sthissecretbetweenus,andwecanneverbethesameuntilitiscleared."
"Kindlyletmehavethefacts,Mr.Munro,"saidHolmeswithsomeimpatience.
"I’lltellyouwhatIknowaboutEffie‘shistory.ShewasawidowwhenImetherfirst,thoughquiteyoung—onlytwenty-five.HernamethenwasMrs.Hebron.ShewentouttoAmericawhenshewasyoungandlivedinthetownofAtlanta,whereshemarriedthisHebron,whowasalawyerwithagoodpractice.Theyhadonechild,buttheyellowfeverbrokeoutbadlyintheplace,andbothhusbandandchilddiedofit.Ihaveseenhisdeathcertificate.ThissickenedherofAmerica,andshecamebacktolivewithamaidenauntatPinner,inMiddlesex.
