Повернення Шерлока Холмса
The Adventure of the Second Stain
“Now,Watson,thefairsexisyourdepartment,”saidHolmes,withasmile,whenthedwindlingfrou-frouofskirtshadendedintheslamofthefrontdoor.“Whatwasthefairlady’sgame?Whatdidshereallywant?”
“Surelyherownstatementisclearandheranxietyverynatural.”
“Hum!Thinkofherappearance,Watson—hermanner,hersuppressedexcitement,herrestlessness,hertenacityinaskingquestions.Rememberthatshecomesofacastewhodonotlightlyshowemotion.”
“Shewascertainlymuchmoved.”
“Rememberalsothecuriousearnestnesswithwhichsheassuredusthatitwasbestforherhusbandthatsheshouldknowall.Whatdidshemeanbythat?Andyoumusthaveobserved,Watson,howshemanœuvredtohavethelightatherback.Shedidnotwishustoreadherexpression.”
“Yes,shechosetheonechairintheroom.”
“Andyetthemotivesofwomenaresoinscrutable.YourememberthewomanatMargatewhomIsuspectedforthesamereason.Nopowderonhernose—thatprovedtobethecorrectsolution.Howcanyoubuildonsuchaquicksand?Theirmosttrivialactionmaymeanvolumes,ortheirmostextraordinaryconductmaydependuponahairpinoracurlingtongs.Good-morning,Watson.”
“Youareoff?”
“Yes,IwillwhileawaythemorningatGodolphinStreetwithourfriendsoftheregularestablishment.WithEduardoLucasliesthesolutionofourproblem,thoughImustadmitthatIhavenotaninklingastowhatformitmaytake.Itisacapitalmistaketotheorizeinadvanceofthefacts.Doyoustayonguard,mygoodWatson,andreceiveanyfreshvisitors.
