'Soon I am going to marry Clotilde Lothman von
Saxe-Meningen, daughter of the King of Scandinavia.
You know, of course, that we are two of the most
important royal families in Europe. Clotilde will never
marry me if she learns that I have been a . . . friend of
Irene Adler. You do not know Irene Adler. She's a
beautiful woman, but she can be as hard as a man. She
was angry when I left her, and so she doesn't want me
to marry another woman. I know that she will send
this photograph to the Saxe-Meningen family, and
then there will be a terrible scandal. We must find the
photograph before she sends it!'
'I am sure that we will find it,' said Holmes. 'You
are, of course, staying in London? I will write to you to
tell you what happens. And, the money . . .?'
The King put a large heavy bag on the table. 'I must
have that photograph,' he said. 'There is one thousand
pounds here. If you need more, you must ask at once.
The money is not important.'
'And the young woman's address?' asked Holmes.
'Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St John's Wood,
London.'
'Good night, Your Majesty,' said Holmes. 'I hope to
have some good news for you soon.' The King left, and
Holmes turned to me. 'And good night, Watson. Please
come back tomorrow at three o'clock in the afternoon.'