His voice was as smooth
and suave as his countenance, as he advanced with a plump little
hand extended, murmuring his regret for having missed us at his
first visit. Holmes disregarded the outstretched hand and
looked at him with a face of granite. Milverton's smile
broadened; he shrugged his shoulders, removed his overcoat,
folded it with great deliberation over the back of a chair,
and then took a seat.
"This gentleman?" said he, with a wave in my direction.
"Is it discreet? Is it right?"
"Dr. Watson is my friend and partner."
"Very good, Mr. Holmes. It is only in your client's interests
that I protested. The matter is so very delicate ----"
"Dr. Watson has already heard of it."
"Then we can proceed to business. You say that you are acting
for Lady Eva. Has she empowered you to accept my terms?"
"What are your terms?"
"Seven thousand pounds."
"And the alternative?"
"My dear sir, it is painful for me to discuss it; but if the
money is not paid on the 14th there certainly will be no
marriage on the 18th." His insufferable smile was more
complacent than ever.
Holmes thought for a little.
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