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-- OR -- Miss Grace Dunbar, philanthropist and suffragette, can also be seen in these previous issues of Electro-Graphic Monthly courtesy of her literary agent Sandy Kozinn: January
2004 . . .
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A
Request for Advice from April 4, 1908 The Dark Lantern
League Dear Fellow Members of the League, Once again I call upon my fellow League members to advise me. As most of you are aware, I have spend the years of my widowhood engaged in the work of furthering the education of young persons, especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity for such education because of financial difficulties. I’ve done this remembrance of my duties as governess to Senator Gibson’s children; it seemed only fitting to me that the Senator’s wealth should be used so that others might learn as well. To this end, I have established a number of schools in London, where the need is the greatest, creating my own curriculum for the students, whose only requirement for admission is the ability and willingness to learn. It seemed best to me to abandon such subjects as Latin, Greek, and drawing in order that the students might learn the proper use of the English language – alas, some of the poor things don’t even have a single book in their homes – and the study of practical mathematics, thus enabling them to attain positions in which they might earn a good living. They are also taught some history, philosophy, etc., so that they might have sufficient "general knowledge" to converse easily should they, through their efforts coupled with their education, rise in the world. It is, I feel, important that the students should also be aware of London as a whole, since so many of them have previously led lives confined to the districts in which they have been born and live. I personal escort groups of children to various museums and to such places as St. Paul’s, Fleet Street, and The City, in order that they might understand from whence power truly arises. Imagine my shock and consternation to discover that in the very seat of financial power, beggars line the streets. I was even more disturbed when we passed one particular beggar selling pencils. The man had a pleasant face which was, however, hidden in great measure behind a large, neatly combed grizzled beard which matched the untrimmed grey hair on his head. He began to chat with various of the students and even the teachers among my group, speaking to them in educated tones of the historical sites and famous buildings near us. So knowledgeable was he, and so interestingly did he present his information, interspersing facts with humor that held each child’s interest, that I was loath to interrupt the lesson, for lesson it was. However, I soon realized that it was quite impossible that the situation should continue; the teachers, as instructed, moved the children on. As I passed the beggar, he suddenly winked, screwed up one side of his face so that he became instantly hideous, and whispered out of one side of his mouth "Don’t tell Holmes I’m at it again, please." In a moment his face became that of a normal man again, and I moved on without a word. Upon my return home, I consulted Dr. Watson’s chronicles, and soon realized that the man he had described in the story he called "The Twisted Lip" was the beggar I had met that day, although twenty-some years older. Therein lies my dilemma. I met Mr. Neville St. Clair that day by mere chance. To my knowledge he was doing no harm, and indeed, if he passed his knowledge on to others besides my students, perhaps some good. On the other hand, according to Dr. Watson’s records, Mr. St. Clair had promised never to beg on the streets of London again. Was Dr. Watson correct in all his details? Had the promise been made? If so, was I, as no party to the original agreement, obliged to inform Sherlock Holmes of what I had discovered? Two decades and more had passed; did I know all the facts? Were funds badly needed for an illness in the family? Had Mr. St. Clair been unable to retain a position more suited to his station in life? Did Mrs. St. Clair agree that she would rather have a happy begging husband than one who was unhappy in some other profession? My dear fellow League members, please advise me, for this is one instance where I am unsure that doing the obviously right thing might not lead to great harm. With much appreciation for your assistance and advice in this matter, I remain, Very truly
yours, |
