Who Mary Morstan is
Mary Morstan arrives at Baker Street as a calm, neatly dressed young woman with an unexplained loss in her past. Her father, Captain Arthur Morstan, serves in an Indian regiment before coming to London on leave and disappearing.
Years later, an advertisement asks for her address, and a large pearl arrives without the sender's name. The gifts continue each year until a letter asks her to meet outside the Lyceum Theatre.
What Mary Morstan wants
Mary asks Holmes to help discover what happened to her father and understand the messages she receives. She brings Holmes and Watson to the meeting, where her private mystery opens onto an old dispute over treasure.
Mary Morstan and the others in the story
Thaddeus Sholto believes Mary has a fair claim to part of the treasure connected with their fathers. He explains that he sends the pearls as a way of beginning to make amends.
Watson feels strongly drawn to Mary, but her possible wealth makes him hesitate over expressing his feelings. Mary herself is uneasy about becoming rich, placing her beside the story's questions about what money brings.
Questions
Who is Mary Morstan?
Mary Morstan is a young governess and the client who brings Holmes the mystery of her missing father.
Who sends Mary Morstan the pearls?
Thaddeus Sholto sends the pearls because he believes she deserves a share of the treasure.
How does Watson feel about Mary Morstan?
Watson is attracted to Mary, and his feelings deepen as the investigation continues. He worries that a large fortune would put her beyond the reach of a doctor with a small pension.
