"Ah, I see you know my whole story. I need hide nothing from
you. I swear to you, Mr. Holmes, that there never was in this
world a man who loved a woman with a more wholehearted love than
I had for Frances. I was a wild youngster, I know--not worse
than others of my class. But her mind was pure as snow. She
could not bear a shadow of coarseness. So, when she came to hear
of things that I had done, she would have no more to say to me.
And yet she loved me--that is the wonder of it!--loved me well
enough to remain single all her sainted days just for my sake
alone. When the years had passed and I had made my money at
Barberton I thought perhaps I could seek her out and soften her.
I had heard that she was still unmarried, I found her at Lausanne
and tried all I knew. She weakened, I think, but her will was
strong, and when next I called she had left the town. I traced
her to Baden, and then after a time heard that her maid was here.
I'm a rough fellow, fresh from a rough life, and when Dr. Watson
spoke to me as he did I lost hold of myself for a moment. But
for God's sake tell me what has become of the Lady Frances."

"That is for us to find out," said Sherlock Holmes with peculiar
gravity. "What is your London address, Mr. Green?"

"The Langham Hotel will find me."

"Then may I recommend that you return there and be on hand in
case I should want you? I have no desire to encourage false
hopes, but you may rest assured that all that can be done will be
done for the safety of Lady Frances. I can say no more for the
instant. I will leave you this card so that you may be able to
keep in touch with us. Now, Watson, if you will pack your bag I