"And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would
not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell,
Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I have
no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not dream
of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, if only
as a check to my own memory."
"Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open
the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face,
high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about the
mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose pleasant
lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His manner was
brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue impression of
age, for he had a slight forward stoop
