26. From Garonne- Out with the old, in with the new.
Holmes became aware of Watson shaking his shoulder gradually. "Get up, old boy," Watson said, shaking more determinedly. Holmes groaned. "Is there a client? Is Lestrade here?"
"No, I'm afraid not, but Mrs. Hudson has need of us," Watson answered. "Get up and we can eat breakfast before beginning."
Holmes had hoped Mrs. Hudson had some sort of interesting puzzle at hand, but instead, he and the doctor had been recruited to help Mrs. Hudson clean out the junk in their various rooms. "The box room will be the most challenging," she said briskly, rolling up the sleeves of her oldest dress. "The kitchen shouldn't take too long, I keep it quite organized. I will help you boys clean the parlor," she said with a warning glance at Holmes. "And each of us will clean out our rooms."
"Why are we doing this, Mrs. Hudson?" Holmes asked, frowning.
"After Christmas, the clutter piles up," she said. "And this is just the time of year to give our old things to charity. Don't you agree, Doctor?"
"Out with the old, in with the new," Watson said cheerily.
"Don't you usually wait for New Year's to start that philosophy?" Holmes asked waspishly.
"Now, now, Mr. Holmes," Mrs. Hudson smiled. "Help me like a dear, and I'll make some shortbread for you. Here, take this box."
Holmes took the box with a sigh, reminding himself of his landlady's infinite patience and excellent cooking