51385    If the lady loves her husband, she does not love Your Majesty.

51386    If she does not love Your Majesty there is no reason why she should interfere with Your Majesty's plan.'

51387    'It is true.

51388    And yet!

51389    Well!

51390    I wish she had been of my own station!

51391    What a queen she would have made!'

51392    He relapsed into a moody silence which was not broken until we drew up in Serpentine Avenue.

51393    The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood upon the steps.

51394    She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped from the brougham.

51395    'Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?' said she.

51396    'I am Mr. Holmes,' answered my companion, looking at her with a questioning and rather startled gaze.

51397    'Indeed!

51398    My mistress told me that you were likely to call.

51399    She left this morning with her husband, by the 5.15 train from Charing Cross, for the Continent.'