The Yellow Face - Arthur Conan Doyle

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“The Yellow Face” is a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. It was first published in The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes in 1893.

The story begins when Grant Munro, a distressed husband, approaches Sherlock Holmes for help. Munro is suspicious of his wife, Effie, who has been acting strangely and hiding secrets. She has been making unexplained visits to a cottage nearby, where Munro once spotted a mysterious figure with a yellow face through the window.

Holmes initially speculates that Effie may be involved in an affair or some nefarious activity. However, when they investigate the cottage, they uncover a surprising truth. Effie reveals that the figure with the yellow face is her daughter from a previous marriage. The child's skin color is a result of her mixed heritage, and Effie had hidden her daughter out of fear of how her new husband and society would react.

This story stands out in the Sherlock Holmes canon for its exploration of racial themes and societal prejudice, ultimately highlighting Holmes’ humility when he admits his deduction was incorrect. The resolution is one of compassion, family, and understanding rather than crime.