Watson. Is she there in the hall?
Parsons. Yes, sir.
Watson. Very well—I was going to walk for the exercise—but I can take a cab.
Parsons. Then you'll see the lady, sir.
Watson. Yes. (Parsons turns to go. Watson continues his preparations.) And call a cab for me at the same time—have it wait.
Parsons. Yes, sir.
(Parsons exits at door R. Pause. Parsons appears at door R. ushering in a lady—and exits when she has entered. Enter Madge Larrabee at door R. Her manner is entirely different from that of the former scenes. She is an impetuous gushing society lady, with trouble on her mind.)
Madge (as she comes in.). Ah! doctor—it's awfully good of you to see me. I know what a busy man you must be—but I'm in such trouble—oh, it's really too dreadful You'll excuse my troubling you in this way, won't you?
Watson. Don't speak of it, madam.
Madge. Oh, thank you so much! For it did look frightful my coming in like this—but I'm not alone—oh no!—I left my maid in the cab I'm Mrs. H. de Witte Seaton (Trying to find card case.) Dear me—I didn't bring my card case—or if I did I lost it.
Watson. Don't trouble about a card, Mrs. Seaton. (With gesture to indicate chair up C.)
Madge. Oh, thank you. (Sitting as she continues to talk.) You don't know what I've been through this evening—trying to find some one who could tell me what to do. (Watson sits in chair at desk.) It's something that's happened, doctor— it has just simply happened I know that it wasn't his fault! I know it!
Watson. Whose fault?
Madge. My brother's—my, poor, dear, youngest brother—he couldn't have done such a thing, he simply couldn't, and
Watson. Such a ting as what, Mrs. Seaton?
Madge. As to take the plans of our defences at Gibraltar from the Admiralty Offices. They think he stole them, doctor—and they've arrested him for it—you see, he works there. He was the only one who knew about them in the whole office: because they trusted him so. He was to make copies and Oh, doctor, it's really too dreadful! (Overcome, she takes out her handkerchief and wipes her eyes. This must all be perfectly natural, and not in the least particular overdone.)
Watson. I'm very sorry, Mrs. Seaton
Madge (⟨mixed up with sobs⟩) Oh, thank you so much! They said you were Mr Holmes' friend—several people told me that, several—they advised me to ask you where I could find him—and everything depend on it, doctor—everything.
Watson. Holmes, of course. He's just the one you want.
