Лучшие расследования Шерлока Холмса / The Best of Sherlock Holmes

Rather than I should marry another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not go – none.”

“You are sure that she has not sent it yet?”

“I am sure.”

“And why?”

“Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday.”

“Oh, then we have three days yet,” said Holmes, with a yawn. “That is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to look into just at present.

“Certainly. You will find me at the Langham[9 - Langham – a luxury hotel founded in 1865 as the largest and most modern hotel in London. It still exists as a luxury hotel.], under the name of the Count Von Kramm.”

“Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress.”

“Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety.”

“Then, as to money?”

“You have carte blanche.

“Absolutely?”

“I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom to have that photograph.”

“And for present expenses?”

The King took aВ heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak, and laid it on the table.

“There are three hundred pounds in gold, and seven hundred in notes,” he said.

Holmes scribbled aВ receipt upon aВ sheet of his note-book, and handed it to him.

“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.”

“Then, good night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon have some good news for you. And good night, Watson,” he added, as the wheels of the Royal brougham rolled down the street. “If you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three o’clock, I should like to chat this little matter over with you.

II.

At three o’clock precisely I was at Baker-street, but Holmes had not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the house shortly after eight o’clock in the morning. I sat down beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, however long he might be.