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

You must have started early, and yet you had a long ride along muddy roads before you reached the station. "

The lady gave a jump, and stared in astonishment at my friend.

"There is no mystery, my dear Madam," said Holmes smiling. "The left arm of your jacket is marked with mud in no less than seven places. The marks are perfectly fresh. They must have been thrown up from the road on your journey to the station. I also observe one part of a return ticket tucked into your glove, so I know that you took the train."

"You are perfectly correct," she said. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead twenty minutes later, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I can stand it no longer; I will go mad if it continues. I have no one to turn to - except only one person. He cares for me, but he, poor man, can not help. I have heard of you Mr Holmes; do you think you can help me, and at least throw a little light into the darkness which surrounds me?"

"At present, I can't pay you for your services, but in a month or six weeks, I shall be married, with the control of my own income, and then you will not find me ungrateful."