In reading a book about the stories, the author commented on this one. He wondered why Sherlock Holmes, an expert on disguise, would just use a wet sponge to remove St. Clair's makeup rather than cold cream, etc. I thought as I was reading it that that was rather obvious. Holmes was trying to remove the makeup quickly and quietly, before St. Clair had a chance to struggle. Rubbing in cold cream and then wiping it off would have taken too long.

I wonder if St. Clair told his wife the truth. I also wonder what he did after giving up begging.

there's the theory that the woman was talking to the dog! that she was somewhat insane!! or...that somewhere along the way Watson died, and was replaced by his brother!!!

Or that Watson's middle name was 'Hamish,' the (I believe) Scottish form of James, and Mary used James as a pet name.

I love Inspector Bradstreet's sudden realization when the exposed 'beggar' asks what he's charged with, something like: "With making away with Mr. Neville St.- Oh come, you can't be charged with that, unless they want to make a case of attempted suicide of it!"

(P.S. on the John/James question - In real life, Doyle named the doctor after a friend named James Watson, so the slip here is understandable.)