I kept my
distance from her, and I wore a beard so that she should not
recognise me, for she is a good and high-spirited girl, and she
wouldn't have stayed in my employment long if she had thought
that I was following her about the country roads."
"Why didn't you tell her of her danger?"
"Because then, again, she would have left me, and I couldn't
bear to face that. Even if she couldn't love me it was a great
deal to me just to see her dainty form about the house, and to
hear the sound of her voice."
"Well," said I, "you call that love, Mr. Carruthers,
but I should call it selfishness."
"Maybe the two things go together. Anyhow, I couldn't let her
go. Besides, with this crowd about, it was well that she should
have someone near to look after her. Then when the cable came
I knew they were bound to make a move."
"What cable?"
Carruthers took a telegram from his pocket.
"That's it," said he.
It was short and concise:--
"The old man is dead."
"Hum!" said Holmes. "I think I see how things worked, and I can
understand how this message would, as you say, bring them to a
head. But while we wait you might tell me what you can.
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