If, as I imagine, there is no breach of
the law in this matter, you can absolutely depend upon my discretion
and my co-operation in keeping the facts out of the papers."
Dr. Armstrong took a quick step forward and wrung Holmes by the hand.
"You are a good fellow," said he. "I had misjudged you.
I thank Heaven that my compunction at leaving poor Staunton
all alone in this plight caused me to turn my carriage back,
and so to make your acquaintance. Knowing as much as you do,
the situation is very easily explained. A year ago Godfrey Staunton
lodged in London for a time, and became passionately attached to
his landlady's daughter, whom he married. She was as good as she
was beautiful, and as intelligent as she was good. No man need
be ashamed of such a wife. But Godfrey was the heir to this
crabbed old nobleman, and it was quite certain that the news of
his marriage would have been the end of his inheritance. I knew
the lad well, and I loved him for his many excellent qualities.
I did all I could to help him to keep things straight. We did
our very best to keep the thing from everyone, for when once such
a whisper gets about it is not long before everyone has heard it.
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