“I have never seen my friend in better shape, both mentally and physically, than in 1895. His growing fame brought with it an immense practice, and I would be guilty of unforgivable intemperance if I even hinted slightly at the identity of some of the eminent clients who crossed the modest threshold of our apartment in Baker Street. However, Holmes, like all great artists, lived only for the sake of his art, and, with the exception of the Duke of Holderness, I rarely saw him ask for any significant reward for his invaluable services. He was so unworldly—or so fastidious—that he would often turn away rich and powerful people if their problems did not appeal to him, but would devote himself for weeks to the work of some humble client if the case had unusual and intriguing features that ignited his imagination and challenged his insight..."