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"Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is

well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I

should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him

last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room

rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that

something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such

a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?"

"I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman

may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical

reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong

piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband

is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away

from you?"

"I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable."

"And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?"

"No."

"And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?"

"Very much so."

"Was the window open?"

"Yes."

"Then he might have called to you?"

"He might."