(Long pause. Enter Forman down stairs. Larrabee moves near piano and turns to hear what Forman says.)
Forman (to Holmes). Miss Faulkner begs Mr. Holmes to excuse her. She is not well enough to see anyone this evening.
(Holmes takes out note-book and pencil and writes a word or two on a card or leaf of the book. Tears it out of letter. Pulls out watch and glances at it. Hands the card to Forman, taking off coat first.)
Holmes. Hand Miss Faulkner this—and say that I have
Larrabee (at R.C., near piano). I beg your pardon, Mr. Holmes, but it's quite useless—really.
Holmes. Oh—I'm so sorry to hear it.
(Holmes turns quietly to Larabee and looks at him. Larrabee is a trifle affected by Holmes' quiet scrutiny.)
Larrabee. Yes—Miss Faulkner is—I regret to say—quite an invalid. She is unable to sce anyone—her health is so poor.
Holmes. Did it over occur to you that she might be confined to the house too much?
(An instant's pause.)
Larrabee (suddenly in low threatening tone but not too violent) How does that concern you?
Holmes (easily). It doesn't. . . . I simply made the suggestion.
(The two look at one another an instant. Holmes turns quietly to Forman.)
That's all. (Motions him slightly.) Go on. Take it up.
(Exit Forman at L. and up stairway. After a moment Larrabee turns, goes down R.C., breaking into hearty laughter.)
Larrabee. Ha! ha! This is really too good. (Strolling off to R. laughing.) Why, of course he can take up your card—or your note—or whatever it is, if you wish it so much; I was only trying to save you the trouble.
Holmes (who has been watching him through foregoing speech) Thanks—hardly any trouble at all to send a card. (Seats himself in an easy languid way—picks up "Punch.")
Larrabee (turning at R.C. endeavours to be easy, careless and patronizing). Do you know, Mr. Holmes, you interest me very much.
Holmes (easily). Ah!
Larrabee. Upon my word, yes! We've all heard of your wonderful methods. (Coming towards Holmes.) Your marvellous insight—your ingenuity in picking up and following clues and the astonishing manner in which you gain information from the
