Sherlock Holmes is awakening Dr Watson. Holmes says "Watson, Watson old man". Watson says "Good Heavens, Holmes. It is a quarter past seven. What on earth is going on?" Holmes says "A client, Watson. A client in a considerable state of excitement". Watson asks "But, who? Why is there worry?" Holmes says "The who, is a young lady. As to the why, when people wander about the metropolis at this hour, they have something pressing to communicate. And should it prove an interesting case, my dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything". Watson asks "Then, you've seen her?" Holmes says "Huh, even said good morning to her. Mrs. Hudson even gave us some coffee in the sitting room. She is about thirty years of age, dressed all in black. Pitifully agitated, with restless frightened eyes like some hunted animal". Watson says "Poor soul. It's not just coffee she needs then, but kindness". Holmes introduces Watson and himself to the young lady. Holmes says "You must be cold, traveling at this hour. Come into the main room and draw up to the fire". She says "It is not the cold that makes me shiver, Mr. Holmes" He says "Indeed, what then?" She says "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror". Holmes says "We mustn't fear Miss...." She says "Stoner. Helen Stoner". Holmes says "I have no doubt that we will soon set matters right. You've come in by train this morning, I see, although, of course, you had a journey before that. I observed the second half of your return ticket in the palm of your left glove, while there are several splatters of mud on your left jacket sleeve, that speaks of time spent along heavy roads sitting next to the driver of a dog cart" Miss Stoner says "I see Mrs. Farintosh was right regarding your abilities". Holmes says "Miss Stoner, please sit down. So, you have come far?" She says "“I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. I have no one to turn to, save one, who cares for me, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid".