Bonjour

Be +v-ing = une action qui était en train de se passer

prétérit simple = action soudaine, qui ne dure pas

Holme was sleeping so I went to wake him up. A client arrived early in the morning. She was a woman. She wore a black dress and whe looked very tired. She said she was afraid and that she needed our help. While I was listening to her, Sherlock Holmes noticed she had fresh mud on her clothes. He instantly deduced she took the train. While he was talking, I began to think this cas was going to be interesting.

bonne journée ☺☺☺