but no description of it, and no contemplation of colourless photographs, had prepared me for the subtle, delicate charm and the beautiful colouring of that exquisite head.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

“Ask Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope if she will be kind enough to step up,” said he.

#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

There is one obvious point which would, in any case, have turned my suspicions against Lucas. Godolphin Street, Westminster, is only a few minutes’ walk from Whitehall Terrace.

#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

The odds are enormous against its being coincidence. No figures could express them. No, my dear Watson, the two events are connected—must be connected. It is for us to find the connection.”

“But now the official police must know all.”

#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

Mr. Eduardo Lucas was so well-known and popular that his violent and mysterious fate will arouse painful interest and intense sympathy in a widespread circle of friends.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

He knocked, but received no answer. Perceiving a light in the front room, he advanced into the passage and again knocked, but without reply. He then pushed open the door and entered.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

well-known in society circles both on account of his charming personality and because he has the well-deserved reputation of being one of the best amateur tenors in the country.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

I glanced at my morning paper.
“Is that Eduardo Lucas of Godolphin Street?”
“Yes.”
“You will not see him.”
“Why not?”
“He was murdered in his house last night.”
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

There are only those three capable of playing so bold a game—there are Oberstein, La Rothiere, and Eduardo Lucas. I will see each of them.”
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

when my friend gave an exclamation, sprang to his feet, and laid his pipe down upon the mantelpiece.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

The two statesmen bowed and walked gravely from the room.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

If one is missing—especially if he has disappeared since last night—we will have some indication as to where the document has gone.”
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

“Let us presume, for argument’s sake, that the document was taken by the maid or by the valet——”
“They are both old and tried servants.”
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

What chance have we now to overtake or even to trace it? It is beyond our reach.”
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

“You think, sir, that unless this document is recovered there will be war?”
“I think it is very probable.”
“Then, sir, prepare for war.”
“That is a hard saying, Mr. Holmes.”
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

“It is your misfortune, my dear fellow. No one can blame you. There is no precaution which you have neglected. Now, Mr. Holmes, you are in full possession of the facts. What course do you recommend?”

Holmes shook his head mournfully.

#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

Mr. Trelawney Hope dropped his head on his chest and groaned aloud. The Premier placed his hand kindly upon his shoulder.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

Great Britain holds the scales. If Britain were driven into war with one confederacy, it would assure the supremacy of the other confederacy, whether they joined in the war or not. Do you follow?”

#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

“If this is so, whose interest is it that the letter should come out? Why should anyone desire to steal it or to publish it?”

#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

“Have you informed the sender?”

“Yes, sir, a cipher telegram has been despatched.”

“Perhaps he desires the publication of the letter.”

#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain