"So you came in by train this morning, I see," said Holmes.

You must have started early, and yet you had a long ride on the front of an open carriage along muddy roads before you reached the station."

The lady gave a jump, and stared in bewilderment at my companion.

"There is no mystery, my dear Madam," said Holmes smiling. "The left arm of your jacket is splattered with mud in no less than seven places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle except an open carriage which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you sit on the left-hand side of the driver. I also observe one part of a return ticket tucked into your glove"

"Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I can stand the strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. I have no one to turn to - save only one, who cares for me, and he poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you Mr Holmes; do you think you can help me, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness which surrounds me?"

"At present, it is out of my power to reward you for your services, but in a month or six weeks, I shall be married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you will not find me ungrateful."