"You would not call me a marrying man, Watson?"
"No, indeed!"
"You'll be interested to hear that I am engaged."
"My dear fellow! I congrat ----"
"To Milverton's housemaid."
"Good heavens, Holmes!"
"I wanted information, Watson."
"Surely you have gone too far?"
"It was a most necessary step. I am a plumber with a rising
business, Escott by name. I have walked out with her each
evening, and I have talked with her. Good heavens, those talks!
However, I have got all I wanted. I know Milverton's house as
I know the palm of my hand."
"But the girl, Holmes?"
He shrugged his shoulders.
"You can't help it, my dear Watson. You must play your cards
as best you can when such a stake is on the table. However,
I rejoice to say that I have a hated rival who will certainly
cut me out the instant that my back is turned. What a splendid
night it is!"
"You like this weather?"
"It suits my purpose. Watson, I mean to burgle Milverton's
house to-night."
I had a catching of the breath, and my skin went cold at the
words, which were slowly uttered in a tone of concentrated
resolution.
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