"Oh, sir, do you not think you could help me too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness that surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward you for your services, but in a month or two I shall be married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you shall not find me ungrateful."
Holmes turned to his desk, and unlocking it, drew out a small case-book which he consulted.
"Farintosh," said he. "Ah, yes, I recall the case; it was concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to reward, my profession is its reward; but you are at liberty to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which suits you best. And now I get that you will lay before us everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the matter."
From "The Adventure of the Speckled Band", by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 1883