Our readers will remember that the deceased gentleman was found stabbed in his room, and that some suspicion attached to his valet, but that the case broke down on an alibi.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

I knew that he was in close touch with every development. Upon the fourth day there appeared a long telegram from Paris which seemed to solve the whole question.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

As to the housekeeper, she had heard nothing on the night of the crime. If her master had a visitor he had himself admitted him.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

had been found in the valet’s boxes, but he explained that they had been presents from the deceased, and the housekeeper was able to corroborate the story.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

but his own explanation that he had walked part of the way seemed probable enough in view of the fineness of the night.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

He had many acquaintances among them, but few friends, and no one whom he loved. His habits were regular, his conduct inoffensive. His death was an absolute mystery and likely to remain so.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

He had been on intimate terms with the leading politicians of several countries.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

He would say nothing of the case, and it was from the papers that I learned the particulars of the inquest, and the arrest with the subsequent release of John Mitton, the valet of the deceased.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

It is a capital mistake to theorize in advance of the facts. Do you stay on guard, my good Watson, and receive any fresh visitors. I’ll join you at lunch if I am able.”
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

Their most trivial action may mean volumes, or their most extraordinary conduct may depend upon a hairpin or a curling tongs. Good-morning, Watson.”
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

She did not wish us to read her expression.”
“Yes, she chose the one chair in the room.”
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

“She was certainly much moved.”
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

Once more I beg that you will say nothing of my visit.”

She looked back at us from the door, and I had a last impression of that beautiful haunted face, the startled eyes, and the drawn mouth. Then she was gone.

#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

“If he said so, I certainly cannot deny it.”
“Of what nature are they?”
“Nay, madam, there again you ask me more than I can possibly answer.”
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

“Well, madam, unless it is set right it may certainly have a very unfortunate effect.”

“Ah!” She drew in her breath sharply as one whose doubts are resolved.

#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

It is not fair to ask it. It is him whom you must ask.”

#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

What was this paper which was stolen?”

#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

Now, I am aware that there was a most deplorable occurrence in our house last night. I know that a paper has disappeared. But because the matter is political my husband refuses to take me into his complete confidence.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

“Your ladyship places me in a very delicate position. I beg that you will sit down and tell me what you desire, but I fear that I cannot make any unconditional promise.”
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain

the sensitive mouth was tight and drawn in an effort after self-command. Terror—not beauty—was what sprang first to the eye as our fair visitor stood framed for an instant in the open door.
#ArthurConanDoyle
#SherlockHolmes
#TheAdventureoftheSecondStain