a/n: Was just having a midnight snack and this conversation came to me. Seemed a pity not to write it down. Ah yes, I have finally realized that I can write Holmes being a bit nasty. I am too nice in writing, most times! XD
"Why did you take a dislike to that lady, Holmes?"
"She had an umbrella with her, and it is cloudless to-day."
"But that's--it seems you decide a person's worth by their brain, as a dentist evaluates his patients' teeth."
Holmes looked up from a heavy volume. "Forgive me, Watson, I missed a link in your reasoning chain. How do you find fault with me and not the dentist?"
"Because the dentist's perceptions are not ruled by his job. He has his home life, and errands of course. Though he may well notice the teeth of passers-by more than, say, a businessman, he is able to see other facets to people as well—for example, their personality."
"Yes, I see your point. I neglect personality completely. In fact I have been all wrong in judging the character of a person by how diligently they cultivate their great resource of a brain, and whether they choose to use it for good or evil. I must size people up using the normal way. Did you happen to see what type of purse the lady carried?"
"Holmes…I confess I am speechless."
"Apparently not entirely. However I have not the patience to complete the cure myself, so if you would just stay quiet, I can finish my studies."
He turned again to his book.