LITMIR.BIZ

      ASK MRS HUDSON

      by (Mrs) Martha Hudson

      Dear Mrs Hudson,

      I wonder how you became landlady of 221 Baker Street and whether you were otherwise employed prior to that time?

      Curious in Carfax

      * * * *

      Dear Curious,

      The only thing I did before taking over this establishment was to attend school in a London suburb. The Baker Street building was given to my mother to hold for me till I reached maturity. It was a gift from a kindly gentleman named Scrooge. Our coeditor Mr Kaye tells about this in The Last Christmas of Ebenezer Scrooge, which was published by the same company that heads this magazine.

      Cordial Regards,

      (Mrs) Martha Hudson

      * * * *

      Dear Mrs Hudson,

      As a psychologist I would like to know whether you have ever lost your temper at something Mr Holmes or Dr Watson did?

      Henry Vollmer, M D

      * * * *

      Dear Dr Vollmer,

      Dr Watson has never done anything that is not considerate and gentlemanly … I might even say loving. As for Mr Holmes, one must allow for and expect the eccentricities of his genius and in this he never disappoints. I have become mildly distressed on occasion by his behaviour, though he almost always has a cogent reason that he reveals afterward. I was miffed by the noise and damage of his target practice on one of my walls, but he voluntarily added what one may call a remuneration of conscience to the rent for nearly a year.

      (Mrs) Martha Hudson

      * * * *

      Dear Mrs Hudson,

      Does Mr Holmes ever go on vacation and if so, where?

      Lillian Stackhouse

      * * * *

      Dear Miss Stackhouse,

      The only time Mr Holmes ever leaves the city and his practice is when Dr Watson insists on it to preserve his friend’s health. Unfortunately, no matter where he goes, trouble always seems to catch up with him (them).

      Once they did go fishing in Scotland and brought back a few excellent fish from the river Tay.

      Sincerely,

      (Mrs) Martha Hudson

      * * * *

      Dear Mrs Hudson,

      What literature interests your illustrious tenants?

      Gordon Sewald

      * * * *

      Dear Mr Sewald,

      Mr Holmes devotes most of his time to crime reports in the newspapers as well as whatever news there may be in the criminal world, also justice and law enforcement. He does read philosophy from time to time.

      (Mrs) Martha Hudson

      * * * *

      Dear Mrs Hudson,

      I have always lived frugally, but recently I won a huge lottery. I did not buy a ticket but found one in the street and picked it up out of the curiosity. To my surprise, it was a winner.

      I am both pleased and troubled ethically. I should like to share my windfall with the ticket’s original purchaser, but have no idea how to do so. Have you and advice?

      Miss Ilene Duguid

      * * * *

      Dear Miss (aptly-named) Duguid,

      I applaud your generous spirit. I asked Mr Holmes and he says you must insert a notice in the newspapers, but he cautions you that frauds will surely surface in great number. If you provide details as to where you found the ticket and what day it was and what time, Mr Holmes will act as your intermediary and find the correct ticket purchaser. He does not expect remuneration for his services.

      Admiringly,

      Martha Hudson

      * * * *

      This issue I have chosen three recipes to share. They are in no way related. I picked them because I’m fond of them all, and so are Mr Holmes and Dr Watson. They are an American dish, broiled turkey; a favourite vegetable, roast fennel, and brandied cherries, of which Dr Watson is fond.

      BROILED TURKEY

      1 turkey, no more than two months old

      5 tablespoons of butter

      1 cup of white wine

      Salt and fresh-ground pepper