49020 But now I see that I was never anything but a tool in his hands.
49021 Why should I preserve faith with him who never kept any with me?
49022 Why should I try to shield him from the consequences of his own wicked acts?
49023 Ask me what you like, and there is nothing which I shall hold back.
49024 One thing I swear to you, and that is, that when I wrote the letter I never dreamed of any harm to the old gentleman, who had been my kindest friend.'
49025 'I entirely believe you, madam,' said Sherlock Holmes.
49026 'The recital of these events must be very painful to you, and perhaps it will make it easier if I tell you what occurred, and you can check me if I make any material mistake.
49027 The sending of this letter was suggested to you by Stapleton?'
49028 'He dictated it.'
49029 'I presume that the reason he gave was that you would receive help from Sir Charles for the legal expenses connected with your divorce?'
49030 'Exactly.'
49031 'And then after you had sent the letter he dissuaded you from keeping the appointment?'
49032 'He told me that it would hurt his self-respect that any other man should find the money for such an object, and that though he was a poor man himself he would devote his last penny to removing the obstacles which divided us.'
49033 'He appears to be a very consistent character.