阅读理解
"My dear lady," says Holmes. "You're
shivering. Are you cold? Do you want a cup of hot tea?"
"I'm not cold," the woman
replies. "I fear for my life!"
"We are here to help you. Don't worry
about anything. I don't know you. But I know many things about you. For
example, I know how you travel. You came to London by train. You also rode to
the train station on a horsedrawn wagon(马拉车). "
"Why, yes. You're right. But how do
you know these things?"
"I see a return ticket in your glove.
I see fresh mud on the left arm of your dress. Now tell us your problem. "
"My name is Helen Stoner," she
states. "My mother and father are dead. I am living with my stepfather, Dr
Grimesby Roylott. He comes from a rich family. But they are no longer rich.
They have nothing except a small piece of land and a huge old house. We are
living in the house. Dr Roylott is using my mother's money for expenses(开支). Part of it was
for my sister and me. It was for our marriages."
Holmes
is sitting in his chair. His eyes are closed. He is listening carefully to
Helen's story. He hears every detail.
Helen continues. "My stepfather has no
friends. He fights with everyone. He is strong and gets angry quickly. Everyone
is afraid of him. "
"He has no friends at all?" asks
Holmes.
"No. He talks to no one except the
gypsies. They are poor people who travel from place to place. A band of gypsies
is staying on our land right now."
"Are you and your sister afraid of the
gypsies?"
"My dear Mr. Holmes. You are making me
so sad. My sister is dead. That is why I am standing here in this room."