Page:Sherlock Holmes - A Drama in Four Acts - Doyle, Gillete - 1922.djvu/30

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(to ). Miss Faulkner begs Mr. Holmes to excuse her. She is not well enough to see anyone this evening.

Hand Miss Faulkner this—and say that I have

(at, near piano). I beg your pardon, Mr. Holmes, but it's quite useless—really.

Oh—I'm so sorry to hear it.

Yes—Miss Faulkner is—I regret to say—quite an invalid. She is unable to sce anyone—her health is so poor.

Did it over occur to you that she might be confined to the house too much?

(suddenly in low threatening tone but not too violent) How does that concern you?

(easily). It doesn't I simply made the suggestion.

That's all. (Motions him slightly.) Go on. Take it up.

Ha! ha! This is really too good. (Strolling off to laughing.) Why, of course he can take up your card—or your note—or whatever it is, if you wish it so much; I was only trying to save you the trouble.

(who has been watching him through foregoing speech) Thanks—hardly any trouble at all to send a card. (Seats himself in an easy languid way—picks up "Punch.")

(turning at endeavours to be easy, careless and patronizing). Do you know, Mr. Holmes, you interest me very much.

(easily). Ah!

Upon my word, yes! We've all heard of your wonderful methods. (Coming towards ) Your marvellous insight—your ingenuity in picking up and following clues and the astonishing manner in which you gain information from the