One afternoon, I was reading a book and Holmes was standing
by the window in our sitting-room. Usually he was very busy and
active. But this afternoon he did not seem very happy. I was
worried about my friend.
‘What’s the matter with you today, Holmes?’ I asked.
4
‘Come and stand at the window, Watson,’ Holmes said.
It was winter. The street outside was almost empty. Everyone
was at home in front of their warm fires.
‘I need some work, Watson,’ said Holmes impatiently3.
‘I cannot live without interesting problems and mysteries.
That’s why I became a private detective. I love my work.
It keeps my brain active. But when there are no crimes and
no mysteries to solve – ah, then life becomes very boring
for me.’
He turned sadly away from the window.
At that moment, there was a knock at the door. Our housekeeper4
came into the room. She was carrying a small white card
on a silver tray5. Holmes picked up the card.
‘Miss Mary Morstan,’ he read aloud. ‘I don’t know anyone of
that name. Please ask the lady to come in. Perhaps it is a new
client.’
A few moments later, Miss Morstan entered the room. She
was young and not very tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Her
clothes were not fashionable, but they were clean and tidy. She
had a lovely face. I noticed at once that she looked worried and
unhappy.
‘Please sit down, Miss Morstan,’ said Holmes kindly. ‘I
am Sherlock Holmes and this is my good friend, Doctor
Watson. Doctor Watson and I have worked together many
times.’
‘I’m very pleased to meet you both,’ said the young lady.
Then she turned to Holmes and looked at him with her lovely
blue eyes.
‘Mr Holmes, I’ve heard that you give people good