"I didn't think you'd do it without hesitation," he says, more subdued. He's decided he ought to let go of his confidence that Watson would leave him for Miss Morstan. Unfortunately now Watson may do just that, since he finds his present partner so frustrating.

"But I thought the choice would be clear. A pleasant, charming, legal wife who can give you children over a..." He trails off and sighs, leaning his head back against his chair. "Moody, unstable genius."