From Ennui Enigma: "I hardly looked at his face. His knees were what I wished to see." ~ The Red-Headed League
"Watson," Holmes said languidly one cold day in December, "I have just finished reading your recent account of the matter of Mr. Wilson and the Red-Headed League. Apart from the unconscionable romanticism that characterizes all your work, you have made the mistake of assuming that my only hint to Spaulding's true identity was the state of his trousers. His ears, fingernails, and eyebrows were equally suggestive."
I will admit to being stung; I was rather proud of "The Red-Headed League," and I had considered it particularly evocative of Holmes' unusual talents. In my heart of hearts, I had even hoped that Holmes would be flattered by the story and therefore be more accepting of my future work.
"Forgive me if I had no desire to write about Spaulding's 'suggestive eyebrows,' Holmes," I snapped. "Not only is it improbable, but it would give The Strand's readers entirely the wrong idea!"
Holmes' cheeks colored red. "Ah, yes, well." He cleared his throat. "Carry on then, my dear fellow."
