The Problem of Thor Bridge, Part 3

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Now it's time to relax. Let your body fall into a comfortable position in your bed and drift gently into a state of total relaxation with tonight's story. The Problem of Thor Bridge Part 3 We were compelled to spend the night at Winchester, as the formalities had not yet been completed. But next morning, in the company of Mr. Joyce Cummings, the rising barrister who was entrusted with the defense, we were allowed to see the young lady in her cell. I had expected from all that we had heard to see a beautiful woman, but I can never forget the effect which Miss Dunbar produced upon me. It was no wonder that even the masterful millionaire had found in her something more powerful than himself, something which could control and guide him. One felt too as one looked at that strong, clear-cut and yet sensitive face, that even should she be capable of some impetuous deed, nonetheless, there was an innate nobility of character which would make her influence always for the good. She was a brunette, tall, with a noble figure and commanding presence, but her dark eyes had in them the appealing, helpless expression of the hunted creature who feels the nets around it, but can see no way out from the toils. Now, as she realized the presence and the help of my famous friend, there came a touch of color in her waned cheeks and a light of hope began to glimmer from the glance which she turned upon us. Perhaps Mr. Neil Gibson has told you something of what occurred between us, she asked in a low, agitated voice. Yes, Holmes answered. You need not pain yourself by entering into that part of the story. After seeing you, I am prepared to accept Mr. Gibson's statement, both as to the influence which you had over him and as to the innocence of your relations with him. But why was the whole situation not brought out in court? It seemed to me incredible that such a charge could be sustained. I thought that if we waited, the whole thing must clear itself up without our being compelled to enter into painful details of the inner life of the family. But I understand that far from clearing it has become even more serious. My dear young lady, cried Holmes earnestly, I beg you to have no illusions upon the point. Mr. Cummings here would assure you that all the cards are at present against us and that we must do everything that is possible if we are to win clear. It would be a cruel deception to pretend that you are not in very great danger. Give me all the help you can then to get at the truth. I will conceal nothing. Tell us, then, of your true relations with Mr. Gibson's wife.

She hated me, Mr. Holmes. She hated me with all the fervour of her tropical nature. She was a woman who would do nothing by halves, and the measure of her love for her husband was the measure also of her hatred for me. It is probable that she misunderstood our relations. I would not wish to wrong her, but she loved so vividly in a physical sense that she could hardly understand the mental and even spiritual tie which held her husband to me or imagined that it was only my desire to influence his power to good ends, which kept me under his roof. I can see now that I was wrong. Nothing could justify me in remaining where I was, a cause of unhappiness, and yet it is certain that the unhappiness would have remained even if I had left the house.

Now Miss Dunbar, said Holmes, I beg you to tell us exactly what occurred that evening. I can tell you the truth so far as I know it, Mr. Holmes, but I am in a position to prove nothing, and there are points, the most vital points, which I can neither explain, nor can I imagine any explanation.