Sherlock Holmes: The Noble Batchelor (Langford & Baker)

Summary

Summary of "Sherlock Holmes: The Noble Bachelor"

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
Episode: Sherlock Holmes: The Noble Bachelor (Langford & Baker)
Release Date: July 18, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the enthralling mystery titled "Sherlock Holmes: The Noble Bachelor," featuring the adept performances of Robert Langford as Sherlock Holmes and Kenneth Baker as Dr. John Watson. This detailed adventure delves into the complexities of love, deception, and noble societal expectations, all under the keen observation of the legendary detective.

Plot Overview

The story unfolds just weeks before Dr. John Watson's anticipated marriage. Amidst preparations and the usual pre-wedding jitters, Watson finds himself immersed in criminal news, reflecting his close quarters with Holmes in Baker Street. An unexpected letter arrives from Lord Robert St. Simon, a nobleman seeking Holmes's assistance with a troubling event connected to his wedding.

Dr. John Watson sets the scene:

"This one's called the Noble Bachelor...I had surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers" ([00:41]).

Holmes, intrigued by the correspondence, discerns the letter's significance:

"The noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink upon the outer side of his right little finger" ([02:10]).

Lord St. Simon's letter reveals his concern over a "very painful event" related to his wedding, prompting Holmes and Watson to investigate the sudden disappearance of the bride, Hattie Dorian, during the wedding breakfast.

Characters and Interactions

Lord Robert St. Simon presents himself as a dignified yet troubled nobleman. Upon his arrival, he shares his distress over his bride's abrupt disappearance, hinting at potential sabotage orchestrated by Flora Miller, a former associate of the groom.

Francis Hay Moulton, Lord St. Simon’s friend, becomes a pivotal character as he provides insights into Hattie Dorian's past and her tumultuous relationship. Holmes's interactions with Lestrade further complicate the investigation, revealing procedural tensions and differing investigative approaches.

Hattie Dorian, the absent bride, emerges as a figure torn between duty and true affection, ultimately leading to her voluntary disappearance to honor her first love, Frank.

Clues and Deductive Reasoning

Holmes employs his signature deductive techniques to unravel the mystery. Key moments include:

1. Analysis of Correspondence:

   "I think I may arrive at my facts most directly by questioning you" ([08:57]).

2. Observation of Behavior:

   "Her abrupt method of doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted" ([22:16]).

3. Interrogation of Evidence: When Inspector Lestrade presents evidence found in the Serpentine, Holmes swiftly dismisses its relevance, showcasing his superior analytical skills:

   "By the same brilliant reasoning every man's body is to be found in the neighborhood of his wardrobe" ([18:39]).

4. Final Deduction: Holmes connects the dots between the drop of the bouquet, the presence of an American man, and the selective hotel bill to locate the true whereabouts of Hattie and Frank:

   "Now Who could he be? He might be a lover. He might be a husband" ([27:56]).

Conclusion and Resolution

The climax reveals that Hattie Dorian chose to leave her noble marriage to reunite with her true love, Frank, whom she believed to be dead. Her actions, though abrupt, were driven by genuine emotion and a desire to honor her first engagement.

Holmes succinctly summarizes the case:

"The case has been an interesting one. It shows how simple the explanation may be of an affair which seems almost inexplicable at first sight" ([27:46]).

Watson reflects on the clarity and straightforwardness of the resolution, appreciating Holmes's unparalleled deductive prowess.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. John Watson:
  "I've had nothing else to do." ([02:30])

• Sherlock Holmes:
  "Circumstantial evidence is occasionally very convincing as when to quote thorough's example you find a trout in the milk." ([16:15])

• Inspector Lestrade:
  "This dress does implicate Ms. Flora Miller." ([18:51])

• Hattie Dorian:
  "I just didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't fall down and go upstairs right there before the altar." ([22:53])

Production and Cast

The episode features a stellar cast including Robert Langford as Sherlock Holmes, Kenneth Baker as Dr. John Watson, and supporting roles by Edna Jacobson, Bruce Anderson, Louis I, and Roger Spence. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to this riveting detective story, maintaining the classic radio drama's charm and suspense.

Final Thoughts

"Sherlock Holmes: The Noble Bachelor" masterfully blends intricate plotting with engaging character dynamics, showcasing Holmes's extraordinary ability to uncover truth beneath layers of societal facades. Through meticulous attention to detail and sharp wit, the episode delivers a satisfying conclusion that resonates with themes of love, honor, and personal integrity.

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next adventure, assured by the promise of more enthralling mysteries to come.

Transcript

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[Sherlock Holmes]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] another Sherlock Holmes adventure.

[Dr. John Watson]

Introduced by Dr. Watson. This one's called the Noble Bachelors. It was a few weeks before my marriage, during the days when I was still sharing rooms with Sherlock Holmes in Baker Street. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather had taken a sudden turn to rain. With high autumnal winds, the Jezail bullet, which I had brought back in one of my limbs as a relic of my Afghan campaign, throbbed with dull persistency. With my body in one easy chair and my legs upon another, I had surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers. When at last I had saturated myself with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and lay listless, speculating lazily upon the huge crest and monogram on the envelope upon the table which awaited my friend's return. Well, Holmes, here's a very fashionable epistle. Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a fishmonger and tide waiter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Watson, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety, and the humbler ones are usually the more interesting. This looks like one of those social summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie. Oh, come. It may prove to be something of interest after all.

[Dr. John Watson]

Not social, then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Distinctly professional.

[Dr. John Watson]

And from a noble client.

[Sherlock Holmes]

One of the highest in England.

[Dr. John Watson]

My dear fellow, I congratulate you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the papers diligently of late, have you not?

[Dr. John Watson]

It looks like it. I've had nothing else to do.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It is fortunate you will perhaps be able to post me up. I read nothing except criminal news in the agony column. The latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent events so closely, you must have read about Lord St Simon and his wedding.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, yes, yes, yes, with the deepest interest.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord St Simon. I will read it to you and in return you must turn over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. This is what he says. My dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Lord Backwater tells me that I may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I have determined therefore to call upon you and to consult you in reference to a very painful event which has occurred in connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade of Scotland Yard is acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no objection to your cooperation, that he even thinks it might be of some assistance. I will call at 4 o' clock in the afternoon and should you have any other engagement for that time, I hope you will postpone it as this is a matter of paramount importance. Yours, Faith Graveset. It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions and written with a quill pen. The noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink upon the outer side of his right little finger.

[Dr. John Watson]

He says four o'. Clock.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's past three now and I have just time with your assistance to get clear upon the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in their order of time while I take a glance as to who our client is.

[Dr. John Watson]

All right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here he is. Robert Walsingham de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral Arms, Azure 3, caltrop in chief over a fest sable. Born 1846. Well, that makes him 41 years of age. 18, mature for marriage, was Under Secretary for the Colonies in the late administration. A duke. His father was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent and Tudor on the distaff side. Well, there's nothing very instructive in all this. I must turn to you, Watson, for something more solid.

[Dr. John Watson]

I have very little difficulty in finding what you want. The facts are quite recent. The matter struck me as remarkable but, well I fear to refer it to you as I knew you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the intrusion of other matters.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square furniture van. That is quite cleared up now. It was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your newspaper selections.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, there was a paragraph in one of the society papers. Yes, not as hooties. There will soon be a call for protection in the marriage market for the present free trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across the Atlantic an important Addition has now been made to the list of prizes which have been borne away by these charming invaders. Lord St Simon, who has shown himself for over 20 years proof against the little God arrows, has now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Ms. Hattie Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Ms. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to considerably over six figures. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years. And as Lord St Simon has no proper save the small estate at Birchmore, it is obvious that the Californian heiress is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to make the easy and common transition from a republican lady to a British title.

[Lord Robert St. Simon]

Anything more?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, yes, yes, plenty. There's a note here to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one at St. George's Hanover Square and that the party would return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate, taken over by Mr. Aloysia's Dorian. Now in two days later, that's Wednesday last, there's a curt announcement that the wedding had taken place. Well, those are all the notices that appeared before the disappearance of the bride.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Before the what?

[Dr. John Watson]

The vanishing of the lady.

[Sherlock Holmes]

When did she vanish then?

[Dr. John Watson]

At the wedding breakfast.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be. Quite dramatic in fact.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, it struck me as being a little out of the common.

[Sherlock Holmes]

They often vanish before the ceremony and occasionally during the honeymoon. But I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt as this. Ah, but there is a ring at the bell and as the clock makes it a few minutes after 4, I have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. No, do not dream of going, Watson. I very much prefer having a witness, if only as a check to my own memory. I would not have missed this case for words.

[Hattie Dorian]

Lord Robert St. Simon.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good day, Lord St. Simon. Pray take the basket chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire and we shall talk this matter over.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

A most painful matter to me. As you can Most readily imagine, Mr. Holmes, I've been cut to the quick. I understand you have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir. Though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of society.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I am descending.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

I beg your pardon?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My last client of the sort was a king.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Oh really? I had no idea. And which king?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The King of Scandinavia.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

But had he lost his wife?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You can understand that I extend to the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promised to do in yours.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Oh, of course. Very right, very right, I'm sure. I beg your pardon. As to my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may assist you in forming an opinion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. I've already learned something of it from the public prints, nothing more. I think I may arrive at my facts most directly by questioning you.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Pray do so.

[Sherlock Holmes]

When did you first meet Miss Hattie Dorian?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

In San Francisco, a year ago.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Did you become engaged then?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

No.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But you were on a friendly footing?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

I was amused by her society and she could see that I was amused.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Her father is very rich.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And how did he make his money in mining?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, invested it and came up by leaps and bounds.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now what is your own impression as to the young lady's? Your wife's character.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

You see, Mr. Holmes, my wife was 20 before her father became a rich man. During that time she ran free in a mining camp, so that her education has come from nature rather than from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy. She is impetuous, volcanic, I was about to say. On the other hand, would not have given her the name which I have the honour to bear, had I not thought her to be, at bottom a noble woman.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The young lady came to London then and you renewed your acquaintance?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Yes. Her father brought her over this last season. I met her several times. We became engaged and I have now married her.

[Sherlock Holmes]

She brought, I understand, a considerable diary.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Not more than is usual in my family.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And this, of course remains to you, since the marriage is a fait accompli.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

I really have made no inquiries on the subject.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very naturally not. On the morning of the wedding, was she in good spirits?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Never better. She was as bright as possible until after the ceremony.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And did you observe any change in her then?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that her temper was a little sharp. The incident was too trivial to relate, though can have no possible bearing on the case.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Pray let us have it for all that.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time that it fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again. It didn't appear to be the worst for the fall and when I spoke to her about it, she Answered me abruptly in the carriage on our way home. She seemed absurdly agitated over so trifling a cause.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed. You say that there was a gentleman in the pew? Some of the general public were present then?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Oh yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is open.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This gentleman was one of your wife's friends?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Oh no, no, no. I called him a gentleman by courtesy. He was quite a common looking person. I hardly noted his appearance. But really I think we're wandering rather on the point.

[Sherlock Holmes]

At any rate, ladies and Simon returned from the wedding in a less cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do on re entering her father's house?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

I saw her in close conversation with.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Her maid, Alice, a confidential servant.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

A little too much. She is an American. She came from California with her. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they look upon these things in a different way.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You did not overhear what they said, ladies?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

And Simon said something about jumping a claim. She was accustomed to using slang of that kind. I've no idea what she meant.

[Sherlock Holmes]

American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your wife do next?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

She walked into the breakfast room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

On your arm?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Then after we'd sat down for 10 minutes or so, she rose hurriedly, muttered some words of apology and left through. She never came back. Her maid says she went to her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a bonnet and went out. One of the footmen remembered seeing a lady leave, but he refused to credit that it could have been his mistress. He naturally believed that she was inside.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite so.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Afterwards my wife is said to have been seen walking into Hyde park with the woman who had caused the disturbance earlier on.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The disturbance?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Yes. After we'd returned from the church, this woman apparently tried to follow us into the house. She had to be ejected by the butler and the footman.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why should she want to force her way in?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Well, Mr. Holmes, she claimed she and I. Well, to tell the truth, her name is Flora Miller. She used to be dancers at the Allegro. I have not treated her ungenerously, but she's no just cause for complaint against men. Do you know what women are, Mr. Holmes? She wrote me dreadful letters when she heard I was to be married. In fact, the reason I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was because I feared there might be a scandal at the church. Fortunately I had given instructions to the servants of the house and they soon.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Pushed her out did your wife hear all this?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

No, thank goodness she didn't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And yet she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Mr. Lestrade of Scotland Yard looks upon it as very serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid some terrible trap for her. I understand that she is now in custody.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, it is a possible supposition.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Oh, you think so too? I don't think Flora would hurt a fly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I didn't say a probable one. Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray then, Lords and Simon, what is your own theory as to what took place?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. Since you ask me, however, it has occurred to me that the excitement, the consciousness that she had made so immense a social stride may have caused some little nervous disturbance in my life.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In short, that she had become suddenly deranged.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Well, when I consider that you have turned her back, I will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to without reason. I can hardly explain it in any other fashion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, that is certainly a conceivable hypothesis. And now, Lord St. Simon, I think I have nearly all my data. May I ask whether you and your wife were seated at the breakfast table so you could see out of the window?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

We could see the other side of the road and the park.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite so. I do not think I need detain you any longer. I will communicate with you should you.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Be fortunate enough to solve this problem.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have solved it. Eh? What was that? I say, I have solved it.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Where, then, is my wife?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That is a detail which I shall speedily supply.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Yes, I'm afraid it will take wiser heads than yours or mine. Good day to you, gentlemen.

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[Sherlock Holmes]

It's very good of Lords and Simon to honor my head by putting it on a level with his own. Well, I think I shall have a whiskey and soda and a cigar after all that cross questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the case before our client was nearly done. I have notes of several similar cases, but as I remarked before, none of them was quite as prompt. My whole examination has turned my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial evidence is occasionally very convincing as when to quote thorough's example you find a trout in the milk.

[Dr. John Watson]

But I've had all you heard about.

[Sherlock Holmes]

However the knowledge of pre existing cases which serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some years back and there was something on very much the same lines at Munich the year after the Franco Prussian War. It is one of those cases but. Hello. Here's the strayed. You will find an extra tumbler on the sideboard. There are cigars in the box.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Thank you. Evening Dr. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good evening to you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's up then?

[Inspector Lestrade]

You look dissatisfied and I feel dissatisfied. It's this infernal St. Simon marriage case. I can't make head or tail of the business.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Really? You'll surprise me.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Whoever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip through my fingers. I've been at work on it all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Day and very wet it seems to have made you.

[Inspector Lestrade]

I've been dragging this Serpentine.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In heaven's name what for?

[Inspector Lestrade]

Looking for the body of ladies. And Simon.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have you dragged the basin of the Trafalgar Square fountain?

[Inspector Lestrade]

Why, what do you mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because you've just as good a chance of finding this lady there as in the Serpentine.

[Inspector Lestrade]

I suppose you know all about it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Oh indeed. Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the matter?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think it is very unlikely.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Then perhaps you'll kindly explain how it is we found this in it. There's a little nut for you to crack, Master Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed. See Watson, a wedding dress, white satin.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Shoes, a bride's wreath and veil and a wedding ring.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You dragged these from the Serpentine?

[Inspector Lestrade]

No, they were found near the bank by a park keeper. They were identified as her clothes. It seemed to me that if the clothes were there the body wouldn't be far off.

[Sherlock Holmes]

By the same brilliant reasoning every man's body is to be found in the neighborhood of his wardrobe. And pray, what did you hope to arrive at through this?

[Inspector Lestrade]

Some evidence implicating Flora Miller in the disappearance.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid you will find it difficult.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Oh are you indeed? No. And I'm afraid Holmes, that you're not very practical with your deductions and your inference. This dress does implicate Ms. Flora Miller.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And how?

[Inspector Lestrade]

In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card case. In the card case is a note. Just listen to this. You will see me when all is ready.

[Dr. John Watson]

Come at once. Fhm.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Now my theory all along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Miller, no doubt with confederates. Her initials are on this note. It was no doubt slipped into the bride's hand at the door and it lured her into their reach.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very good, Lestrade. You really are very fine indeed. Let me see it. Ah, this is indeed important.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Oh, you find it so extremely.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I congratulate you warmly.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well then.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Well, you're looking on the wrong side.

[Sherlock Holmes]

On the contrary, this is the right side.

[Inspector Lestrade]

The right side? You're mad. Here is the note written in pencil over here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And over here is what appears to be a fragment of an hotel bill. It interests me deeply.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Now there's nothing in that. I looked at it before. October 4th. Rooms 8 shillings, breakfast, 2 and 6, cocktail, 1 shilling room, lunch to him 6, glass of sherry, eightpence. I can see nothing in that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very likely not. It's most important all the same. As for the note, it's important also, or at least the initials are. So I congratulate you again.

[Inspector Lestrade]

No, I've wasted time enough. I believe in hard work, not sitting by the fire spinning theories. We shall see who gets to the bottom of this first. Good day to you, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just one hint to you, Lestrade. I will tell you the true solution of this matter. Ladies and Simon is a myth. There is not and there never has been any such person.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Mad.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mad?

[Sherlock Holmes]

But there is something in what the fellow says about outdoor work. I think, Watson, I must leave you to your papers for a little. Well, well, Watson, they have laid the supper in my absence. I see.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, I. I didn't know what it was all about. A confectioner's man came and set it all out cold. Woodcock, pheasant, patty de foie gras pie and some bottles said it had been paid for and ordered to this address.

[Lord Robert St. Simon]

Capital.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, he's laid for five. You seem to expect company.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in. I'm surprised Lord St Simon has not already arrived. Ah, I fancy I hear his step on the stairs now. My message reached you then?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Yes, but I must confess the contents startle me beyond measure. Have you good authority for what you say?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The best possible.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

What will the Duke say? What's he to think when he hears that one of the family has been subjected to such humiliation?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It is the purest accident.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

You look on these things from another standpoint.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can hardly see how the lady could have acted otherwise. Her abrupt method of doing it was Undoubtedly to be regretted. But having no mother, she had no one to advise her at such a crisis.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

It was a slight, sir. A public slight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You must make allowance for this poor girl placed in so unprecedented a position.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed. I have been shamefully used.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think I heard a ring. Yes, There are steps on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view. Lord St Simon, I have brought an advocate here who may be more successful. Lord St. Simon, allow me to introduce you to Mr. And Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. Lady, I think you have already met your angry.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Rather.

[Hattie Dorian]

Well, I guess you have every cause to be.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Pray make no apology to me.

[Hattie Dorian]

Oh, yes, I know I treated you real bad. I should have spoken to you before I went. But I was kind of rattled from the time I saw Faith here again. I just didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't fall down and go upstairs right there before the altar.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mrs. Moulton, perhaps you would like my friend and me to leave the room while you explain this matter.

[Lord Robert St. Simon]

If I may give an opinion. We've had just a little too much secrecy over this matter already. For my part, I'd like all Europe and America to hear the rights of it.

[Hattie Dorian]

Then I'll tell our story right away. Frank and I met in 81 in McGuire's camp near the Rockies, where Pa was working on a claim. We were engaged, Frank and I. But then one day Pa struck a rich pocket and made a pile. Poor Frank here had a claim that came to nothing. The richer Pa grew, the poorer Frank got. So at last, Pa wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer. And he took me away to Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though.

[Lord Robert St. Simon]

You bet.

[Hattie Dorian]

So Frank followed me and. And saw me without Pa knowing. He said he would go back and make his pal too. And he wouldn't come to claim me till he had as much as Pa. So I promised to wait for him till the end of time and not to marry anyone else as long as he lives.

[Lord Robert St. Simon]

So I said, why shouldn't we be married straight away? Then. Then I'll feel sure of you. But I won't claim to be your husband till I come back. Well, we talked it over, see. And we just went to a clergyman and did it right there.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Well.

[Hattie Dorian]

Well, the next I heard of Frank who. He was in Montana, then in New Mexico. Then there was a newspaper story about how a miner's camp had been attacked by the Apache Indians. And there was Frank's name among the killed. I was sick for months. There was never another word of Frank after that. Well then Lord St Simon, Robert came to Frisco, we came to London and a marriage was fixed.

[Lord Robert St. Simon]

You see, I was.

[Hattie Dorian]

Hold on dear. I felt all the time that no man on this earth could ever take Frank's plate in my heart. But I meant to make Robert just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you imagine what I felt. First as I came to the altar rails there was Frank standing looking at me out of the first pew. Well, I thought it was his ghost at first but I looked again and there he was still with a kind of question in his eyes. I didn't ought to stop the service and make a scene in the church. What the clergyman was saying was just like a bee buzzing in my ears.

[Lord Robert St. Simon]

I scribbled her a note on the way out.

[Hattie Dorian]

Again I saw the piece of paper in his hand and I knew it was for so as I passed the pew I dropped my bouquet over and he slipped the knot into my hand. When he gave it back.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You never doubted for a moment that your first duty was to him.

[Hattie Dorian]

Of course. Well, I told my maid to say nothing and got a few things packed. I know I ought to have said something to rob it but it was dreadful hard in front of his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to run away and explain. Afterwards. I hadn't been at the table 10 minutes when I saw Frank out in the road. I slipped out and followed him into the park. Some woman came up talking something about Lord St Simon but I managed to get away from her. I caught up with Frank and we took a cab to his place in Gordon Square. That was my true wedding after all these years.

[Lord Robert St. Simon]

You see, I'd been a prisoner with those Apaches all the time. When I got back to Frisco I saw in the paper about this other wedding. I just got to England in time.

[Hattie Dorian]

Frank was all for being open and telling what had happened but I was so ashamed thinking of all those lords and ladies waiting at that table for me to come back. So Frank took my wedding things and dropped them anywhere in the park. He thought they wouldn't be found. We were off to Paris tomorrow, only this gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round. Well, Robert, you've heard it all and I'm very sorry if I've given you pain. I hope you don't think very meanly of me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Excuse me, but it is not my.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Custom to discuss my most intimate personal affairs. In this public manner.

[Hattie Dorian]

Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Oh, certainly it would give you any pleasure.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I had hoped that you would have joined us at a friendly supper.

[Francis Hay Moulton]

I think that there you ask a little too much. I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over them. I think that with your permission, I will now wish you all a very good night.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then I trust that you at least will honor us with your company. It is always a joy to me to meet an American. Mr. Motion. I'm one of those who believe that the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in foregone years will not prevent our children from being someday citizens of the same worldwide country under a flag which will be a quartering of the Union Jack with the stars and stripes. Well, good night, Mr. Molten. Good night.

[Lord Robert St. Simon]

Good night.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good night. Well, Holmes?

[Francis Hay Moulton]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The case has been an interesting one. It shows how simple the explanation may be of an affair which seems almost inexplicable at first sight.

[Dr. John Watson]

You had no doubt then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

From the first two facts were obvious to me. One was that the lady was quite willing to undergo the marriage ceremony. The other was that she had repented of it within a few minutes of returning home. But she could not have spoken to anyone when she was out, for she'd been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she seen someone then? If she had, it must have been someone from America. She'd spent too little time in this country for anyone to acquire so deep an influence over her that that the mere sight of him would induce her to change her plans.

[Dr. John Watson]

I see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

By a process of exclusion we have arrived at the idea that she might have seen an American. Then who could he be? He might be a lover. He might be a husband. When St. Simon told us of a man in the pew and the change in her manner and that transparent device of dropping her bouquet, it all became absolutely clear. Especially in view of that allusion of hers to claim jumping, which in miners talk means taking possession of that which another person has prior right to. It was clear to me that she had gone off with a man and the chances were in favor of his being a husband.

[Dr. John Watson]

And how in the world did you find them, friend?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lestrade held information in his hands and didn't know the value of it. The initials on the note were of the highest importance, of course. But it was more valuable still to know that within a week he had settled his bill at one of the most select hotels in London.

[Dr. John Watson]

How did you deduce the select?

[Sherlock Holmes]

By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eight pence for a glass of sherry. Pointed to one of the most expensive hotels. There are not so many in London which charge at that rate. In the second one I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moten, an American gentleman, had left only the day before. On looking over the entries against him, I came upon the very items I had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded to 226 Gordon Square. So thither I traveled. The loving couple were fortunately at home and I ventured to give them some paternal advice. I invited them to meet Lord St Simon here and make their position a little clearer, but with no very good results.

[Dr. John Watson]

His conduct was certainly not very gracious. In the Noble Bachelor as Sherlock Holmes and Mr. Dr. Watson, you heard Robert Langford and Kenneth Baker. Others in the cast were Edna Jacobson, Bruce Anderson, Louis I and Roger Spence. There'll be another Sherlock Holmes adventure at the same time next week.