Английский язык с Шерлоком Холмсом. Первый сборник рассказов

(СКАНДАЛ В БОГЕМИИ)

I

To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman (для Шерлока Холмса она всегда та самая: «эта» женщина). I have seldom heard (я редко слышал; to hear — слышать) him mention her (/чтобы/ он называл ее; to mention — называть, упоминать) under any other name (/под/ каким-либо другим именем). In his eyes she eclipses and predominates (в его глазах она затмевает и превосходит; to eclipse — затмевать, заслонять; to predominate — преобладать) the whole of her sex (всех /представительниц/ ее пола). It was not that he felt (не то чтобы он испытывал: «это не было тем, что/бы/ он чувствовал»; to feel — чувствовать, ощущать) any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler (какое-либо чувство, похожее на любовь к Ирэн Адлер). All emotions (все чувства), and that one particularly (и это /чувство/ особенно), were abhorrent to his cold (были ненавистны его холодному), precise but admirably balanced mind (точному, но превосходно сбалансированному уму). He was (он был; to be — быть, являться), I take it (по-моему: «я соглашаюсь с этим»; to take — принимать, соглашаться), the most perfect (самой совершенной) reasoning and observing machine (мыслящей и наблюдательной машиной) that the world has seen (какую /когда-либо/ видел мир; to see — видеть), but as a lover (но как влюбленный: «в качестве влюбленного») he would have placed himself in a false position (он оказался бы не на своем месте: «он поместил бы себя в неправильное положение»). He never spoke of the softer passions (он никогда не говорил о нежных чувствах; to speak — говорить), save with a gibe and a sneer (кроме как с насмешкой и издевкой). They were admirable things for the observer (они были отличными вещами для наблюдения: «наблюдателя») — excellent for drawing the veil (прекрасным /способом/ чтобы сорвать завесу = обнажить) from men's motives and actions (с мужских побуждений и действий). But for the trained reasoner (но для великолепного мыслителя) to admit such intrusions (допустить подобные вторжения; to admit — допускать, принимать) into his own delicate (в свой /собственный/ утонченный) and finely adjusted temperament (и четко налаженный характер) was to introduce a distracting factor (означало бы: «было бы» внести /туда/ отвлекающий фактор = смятение; to introduce — вносить, вводить) which might throw a doubt upon all his mental results (что могло бы внести неуверенность: «бросить сомнение» во все завоевания его разума: «умственные результаты»; to throw — кидать, бросать). Grit in a sensitive instrument (песчинка в чувствительном инструменте), or a crack in one of his own high-power lenses (или трещина в одной из его мощных линз), would not be more disturbing (не были бы более беспокоящими) than a strong emotion in a nature such as his (чем сильное чувство для такого человека = типа, как он). And yet (и все-таки) there was but one woman to him (для него существовала одна женщина: «/там/ была, однако, одна женщина»), and that woman was the late (и этой женщиной была покойная) Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable memory (/особа/ неясной и сомнительной репутации: «памяти»).

heard [hɜ:d], predominate [priˈdɒmineit], passion [ˈpæʃn], dubious [ˈdju:biǝs]

To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They were admirable things for the observer — excellent for drawing the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable memory.

I had seen little of Holmes lately (я редко виделся с Холмсом в последнее время; to see little of somebody — редко бывать в чьем-либо обществе). My marriage (женитьба) had drifted us away (отдалила нас; to drift away — относить /ветром/) from each other (друг от друга). My own complete happiness (моего личного безоблачного = полного счастья; happy — счастливый), and the home-centred interests (и исключительно семейных = домашних интересов; to center — концентрироваться) which rise up around the man (которые возникают у: «вокруг» человека; to rise up — подниматься) who first finds himself master of his own establishment (который впервые находит себя господином своего собственного хозяйства = когда он впервые становится господином собственного домашнего очага; to find — находить), were sufficient (/их/ было достаточно) to absorb all my attention (чтобы поглотить все мое внимание; to absorb — впитывать, всасывать); while Holmes (в то время как Холмс), who loathed every form of society (который ненавидел все виды: «каждую форму» светской жизни; society — общество, свет) with his whole Bohemian soul (всей: «с всей» своей цыганской душой), remained in our lodgings in Baker Street (оставался /жить/ в нашей квартире на Бейкер-стрит; to remain — остаться, пребывать на прежнем месте; lodgings — /снимаемые/ комнаты), buried among his old books (окруженный: «зарытый среди» своими старыми книгами; to bury — хоронить, зарывать), and alternating from week to week between cocaine and ambition (и чередуя недели: «от недели к неделе» кокаина и честолюбия = увлечения кокаином с /приступами/ честолюбия; between — между), the drowsiness of the drug (дремотное состояние наркомана: «сонливость наркотика»; drowse — дремота), and the fierce energy of his own keen nature (с яростной энергией его /собственной/ проницательной натуры; fierce — дикий, неудержимый). He was still (тихий, спокойный), as ever (как всегда), deeply attracted by the study of crime (глубоко увлеченный расследованием преступлений; deep — глубокий; to study — изучать), and occupied his immense faculties (и отдавал свои грандиозные способности; to occupy — занимать; immense — огромный: «безмерный») and extraordinary powers of observation (и необычайный дар: «удивительные силы» наблюдательности; to observe — наблюдать) in following out those clews (следуя /до конца/ тем нитям = поискам нитей; clew — нить, зацепка), and clearing up those mysteries (и выяснению тех загадок; to clear up — прояснять; mystery — тайна), which had been abandoned as hopeless (которые были признаны: «брошены» как безнадежные; to hope — надеяться) by the official police (официальной полицией). From time to time (время от времени) I heard some vague account of his doings (я слышал /кое-какие/ смутные сообщения о его делах; account — счет, доклад): of his summons to Odessa (о том, что его вызывают в Одессу; summons — судебная повестка) in the case of the Trepoff murder (в связи с убийством Трепова; in case of — в случае чего-либо), of his clearing up of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers (о его прояснении странной трагедии = о том, что ему удалось пролить свет на трагедию братьев Аткинсон) at Trincomalee, and finally (и наконец) of the mission which he had accomplished (о поручении, которое он выполнил; to accomplish — завершать, достигать) so delicately and successfully (так = исключительно тонко и удачно) for the reigning family of Holland (для королевского дома: «царствующей семьи» Нидерландов; to reign — править). Beyond these signs of his activity (кроме = вне этих сведений о его деятельности; sign — знак, след), however (как бы там ни было), which I merely shared with all the readers (которые я только /лишь/ разделил со всеми читателями; to share — делить, распределять) of the daily press (ежедневной прессы), I knew little of my former friend and companion (я знал мало о моем прежнем друге и товарище; to know; former — бывший, давний).

marriage [ˈmærɪʤ], drowsiness [ˈdrauzinis], vague [veiɡ], clew [klu:]

I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in following out those clews, and clearing up those mysteries, which had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of my former friend and companion.

One night (однажды ночью) — it was on the twentieth of March, 1888 (это было двадцатого: «на двадцатое» марта 1888 года) — I was returning from a journey to a patient (я возвращался: «был возвращающимся» из поездки к пациенту = от пациента; journey — прогулка, путешествие) (for I had now returned to civil practice (так как я теперь вновь занялся частной практикой; to return — возвращаться; civil — частный, гражданский), when my way led me through Baker Street (когда мой путь привел меня на: «через» Бейкер-стрит; to lead — управлять, вести). As I passed the well-remembered door (когда я проходил мимо хорошо знакомой двери; to remember — вспоминать), which must always be associated in my mind (которая должна всегда быть связанной = навсегда связана в моем уме; mind — разум, память) with my wooing (с моим сватовством; to woo — ухаживать), and with the dark incidents of the Study in Scarlet (и с мрачными событиями «Этюда в багровых тонах»; dark — темный; study — монография, этюд), I was seized with a keen desire (я был охвачен острым желанием; to seize — захватить, обуять) to see Holmes again (снова увидеть Холмса), and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers (и узнать, как он использует = над какими проблемами работают его выдающиеся силы = необычайный ум; to employ — нанимать, употреблять). His rooms were brilliantly lit (его комнаты были ярко освещены; to light — освещать), and, even as I looked up (/как раз когда/ я посмотрел вверх; to look up — поднимать глаза), I saw his tall (увидел его высокую; to see), spare figure (худощавую фигуру; spare — худощавый, скудный) pass twice in a dark silhouette against the blind (/которая/ прошла дважды в виде темного силуэта = темным силуэтом на шторах; against — напротив, рядом с). He was pacing the room swiftly (он ходил: «был ходящим» по комнате стремительно; to pace — расхаживать), eagerly (нетерпеливо; eager — жаждущий), with his head sunk upon his chest (с головой, опущенной на грудь = опустив низко голову; to sink — падать, оседать) and his hands clasped behind him (и /его/ руками, сцепленными за ним = заложив руки за спину; to clasp — сжимать, обнимать). To me (мне = для меня), who knew his every mood and habit (который знал все его: «каждое» настроения и привычки; to know — знать), his attitude and manner told their own story (его осанка и поведение рассказывали /их/ собственную историю = его движения и /внешний/ облик говорили о многом; to tell — рассказывать). He was at work again (он принялся за работу снова; at work — в действии). He had risen out of his drug-created dreams (он вышел из своих навеянных наркотиками грез; to rise out — подниматься над, выходить; drug — наркотик; to create — творить, вызывать; dream — сон, мечта) and was hot upon the scent of some new problem (и распутывал нити какой-то новой проблемы; scent — след, аромат). I rang the bell (позвонил /в звонок/; to ring — звонить) and was shown up to the chamber (и был проведен = меня проводили в комнату; to show up — выявляться, проявиться) which had formerly been in part my own (которая когда-то была частично моей; former — бывший; in part — отчасти).

journey [ˈʤǝ:nɪ], eagerly [ˈi:ɡǝlɪ], silhouette [sɪlu:ˈet]

One night — it was on the twentieth of March, 1888 — I was returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which had formerly been in part my own.

His manner was not effusive (его манера /действий/ не была несдержанной = он встретил меня спокойно). It seldom was (это редко было); but he was glad (но он был рад; to be glad — радоваться), I think (думаю), to see me (видеть меня). With hardly a word spoken (с едва произнесенным словом = почти без слов; hard — твердый, трудный; to speak — говорить, высказать), but with a kindly eye (но с благожелательным взглядом = приветливо), he waved me to an armchair (он подал мне знак рукой к креслу — предложил сесть; to wave — махать), threw across his case of cigars (пододвинул коробку сигар; to throw — кидать, толкать; across — через; case — ящик, коробка), and indicated a spirit case (указал /на/ винный погребец; to indicate — показывать; spirit — алкоголь) and a gasogene (установку для получения газа) in the corner (в углу). Then he stood before the fire (затем он встал перед огнем = камином; to stand — стоять) and looked me over (оглядел меня; to look over — осматривать) in his singular introspective fashion (своим необычным проницательным взглядом; singular — странный; to introspect — анализировать; fashion — вид, манера).

effusive [ɪˈfju:sɪv], kindly [ˈkaɪndlɪ], singular [ˈsɪŋjulǝ]

His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular introspective fashion.

"Wedlock suits you (брак подходит вам = /идет/ на пользу; to suit — подходить, устраивать)," he remarked (заметил он). "I think, Watson, that you have put on seven and a half pounds (что вы пополнели на семь с половиной фунтов; to put on — надевать, прибавлять) since I saw you (с тех пор как я вас видел /в последний раз/)."

"Seven! (семь)" I answered (ответил).

remark [riˈmɑ:k], pound [ˈpaund], answered [ˈɑ:nsǝd]

"Indeed (в самом деле), I should have thought a little more (следует думать, немного больше). Just a trifle more (чуточку больше; just — только; trifle — мелочь, пустяк), I fancy (предполагаю; to fancy — представлять), Watson. And in practice again (практикуете снова = в практике), I observe (/как/ я вижу; to observe — наблюдать). You did not tell me (вы не говорили мне; to tell — говорить) that you intended to go into harness (что собираетесь впрячься в работу; to intend — намереваться; to go into — впадать; harness — упряжь)."

"Then, how do you know?" (/так/ откуда /же/ вы знаете = как вы знаете)

trifle [traɪfl], harness [ˈhɑ:nɪs]

"Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you."

"Seven!" I answered.

"Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not tell me that you intended to go into harness."

"Then, how do you know?"

"I see it, I deduce it (вывел это = сделал вывод; to deduce — заключить). How do I know that you have been getting yourself very wet lately (откуда я узнал, что вы сильно промокли недавно; to get wet — промокать), and that you have a most clumsy and careless servant girl (и что у вас самая неловкая и небрежная горничная; clumsy — неуклюжий; to care — заботиться; servant — слуга)?"

deduce [dɪˈdju:s], clumsy [ˈklʌmzɪ]

"My dear Holmes (дорогой Холмс)," said I (сказал я), "this is too much (это слишком). You would certainly have been burned (вы были бы наверняка сожжены = вас сожгли бы; to burn — сжигать, сгорать), had you lived a few centuries ago (если бы вы жили несколько веков назад; to live — жить; a few — несколько; century — столетие; ago — тому назад). It is true (/это/ правда) that I had a country walk on Thursday (я был за городом в четверг; country — сельская местность; to walk — ходить) and came home in a dreadful mess (пришел домой в ужасном беспорядке; to come — приходить; dreadful — страшный), but as I have changed my clothes (так как я переменил одежду; to change — менять) I can't imagine (не могу представить; to imagine — воображать) how you deduce it (как вы догадались /об этом/). As to Mary Jane (что касается Мэри Джейн), she is incorrigible (безнадежна), and my wife has given her notice (моя жена дала ей предупреждение = предупредила; to give — давать; notice — извещение, заметка), but there (и все же), again (опять), I fail to see (не понимаю; to fail — потерпеть неудачу) how you work it out (как вы догадались; to work out — определять)."

He chuckled (хихикнул) to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands together (потер свои длинные нервные руки).

certainly [ˈsǝ:tnlɪ], centuries [ˈsenʧǝrɪ], incorrigible [ɪnˈkɔrɪʤǝbl]

"I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and careless servant girl?"

"My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it out."

He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands together.

"It is simplicity itself (проще простого; simplicity — простота)," said he; "my eyes tell me (мои глаза говорят мне) that on the inside of your left shoe (что с внутренней стороны вашего левого ботинка; inside — внутренняя сторона), just where the firelight strikes it (как раз /там/ куда падает свет от огня; to strike — бить; достигать), the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts (кожа поцарапана = на коже видны шесть почти параллельных царапин; to score — оставлять след; cut — разрез). Obviously (очевидно) they have been caused by someone (были сделаны кем-то; to cause — вызывать, причинять) who has very carelessly scraped round the edges of the sole (кто очень небрежно обтирал края подошвы; to scrape — чистить, скрести; round — вокруг) in order to remove crusted mud from it (чтобы удалить засохшую грязь /с нее/; to remove — снимать; crusted — в виде корки). Hence (отсюда), you see, my double deduction (двойной вывод) that you had been out in vile weather (что вы были снаружи = выходили в мерзкую погоду), and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting specimen of the London slavey (и что у вас чрезвычайно зловредный режущий ботинки экземпляр лондонской прислуги; to slit — разрезать вдоль; specimen — образец). As to your practice, if a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform (если в мой дом входит джентльмен, пахнущий йодоформом; to smell — пахнуть), with a black mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger (с черной отметкой от азотнокислого серебра на его правом указательном пальце; to mark — ставить знак), and a bulge on the right side of his top-hat (и выпуклостью на правой стороне его цилиндра; top — вершина, hat — шляпа) to show where he has secreted his stethoscope (которая указывает, где он спрятал свой стетоскоп; to show — показывать; to secrete — прятать), I must be dull (я должен быть глупцом; dull — тупой), indeed (в самом деле), if I do not pronounce him to be an active member of the medical profession (если я не признаю в нем деятельного члена медицинской профессии = представителя врачебного мира; to pronounce — объявить)."

simplicity [sɪmˈplɪsɪtɪ], leather [ˈleðǝ], specimen [ˈspesɪmǝn]

"It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce him to be an active member of the medical profession."

I could not help laughing at the ease (я не мог удержаться от смеха над простотой; can not help /doing something/ — не мочь не /делать что-то/; ease — легкость) with which he explained (с которой он объяснил; to explain — объяснять) his process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons (когда я слышу /как/ вы приводите свои соображения; to give — давать)," I remarked (заметил я; to remark — замечать), "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously simple (вещь всегда представляется мне cтоль смехотворно простой = все кажется до смешного простым; to appear — появляться) that I could easily do it myself (что мог бы легко сделать это = сообразить сам), though at each successive instance of your reasoning (хотя в каждом новом случае ваших рассуждений; successive — последующий; instance — пример) I am baffled (я ошеломлен; to baffle — ставить в тупик) until (пока) you explain (не объясните) your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good as yours (между тем я думаю, что мои глаза так же хороши, как и ваши = зрение у меня не хуже вашего; to believe — верить, полагать)."

laughing [ˈlɑ:fɪŋ], ridiculously [rɪˈdɪkjulǝslɪ], instance [ˈɪnstǝns]

I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good as yours."

"Quite so (совершенно так)," he answered (ответил он; to answer — отвечать), lighting a cigarette (закуривая папиросу; to light — зажигать), and throwing himself down into an armchair (садясь в кресло: «бросая себя в кресло»; to throw down — бросать). "You see, but you do not observe (вы видите, но не наблюдаете). The distinction is clear (разница ясно видна; clear — чистый, прозрачный). For example (например), you have frequently seen (часто видели) the steps which lead up from the hall to this room (ступени, которые ведут из прихожей в эту комнату; to lead up — вести куда-либо)."

throwing [ˈƟrǝuɪŋ], frequently [ˈfri:kwǝntlɪ], distinction [dɪsˈtɪŋkʃn]

"Frequently (часто)."

"How often? (как часто)"

"Well, some hundreds of times (ну, несколько сотен раз)."

"Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room."

"Frequently."

"How often?"

"Well, some hundreds of times."

"Then how many are there (/ну и/ как много = сколько их /там/)?"

"How many? I don't know (не знаю)."

"Quite so (вот-вот = именно так)! You have not observed (вы не наблюдали; to observe — наблюдать). And yet (между тем) you have seen. That is just my point (в этом вся суть, именно это я и хочу сказать). Now, I know that there are seventeen steps (а я знаю, что там семнадцать ступеней), because I have both seen and observed (потому что я и видел, и наблюдал; both — и то, и другое). By the way (кстати), since (поскольку) you are interested in these little problems (интересуетесь этими небольшими проблемами; to be interested in — интересоваться /чем-либо/), and since you are good enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences (достаточно хороши чтобы = были добры описать один-два моих маленьких опыта; to chronicle — заносить в дневник) you may be interested in this (вас может заинтересовать это)." He threw over a sheet of thick, pink-tinted note-paper (бросил лист толстой розовой почтовой бумаги; tinted — окрашенный; note — запись) which had been lying open upon the table (которая лежала: «была лежащей» на столе; to lie — лежать). "It came by the last post (получена с последней почтой = только что)," said he. "Read it aloud (прочитайте /ее/ вслух; to read — читать)."

since [sins], enough [ɪˈnʌf], aloud [ǝˈlaud]

"Then how many are there?"

"How many? I don't know."

"Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, because I have both seen and observed. By the way, since you are interested in these little problems, and since you are good enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud."

The note was undated (записка была без даты; to date — датировать), and without either signature or address (без подписи и без адреса; either … or — либо … либо).

"There will call upon you tonight (сегодня вечером Вас посетит; to call — посещать), at a quarter to eight o'clock (без четверти восемь: «четверть к восьми часам»)," it said (говорилось /в записке/), "a gentleman who desires to consult you (который хочет проконсультироваться у Вас) upon a matter of the very deepest moment (по очень важному делу; deep — глубокий; moment — важность). Your recent services (Ваши недавние услуги) to one of the royal houses of Europe (одному из королевских семейств Европы) have shown (показали) that you are one (что Вы тот) who may safely be trusted (кому можно спокойно доверить; safe — безопасный; to trust — верить, доверять) with matters which are of an importance which can hardly be exaggerated (дела, которые /такой/ важности, которая едва ли может быть преувеличена = дела чрезвычайной важности). This account of you (такой отзыв о Вас) we have from all quarters received (мы со всех сторон получали; from all quarters). Be in your chamber then at that hour (будьте у себя в этот час; chamber — комната, кабинет /для одного человека/), and do not take it amiss (и не обижайтесь; to take amiss — превратно толковать) if your visitor wear a mask (если Ваш посетитель будет в маске; to wear — носить).

quarter [ˈkwɔ:tǝ], royal [ˈrɔɪǝl], exaggerated [ɪɡˈzæʤǝreɪtɪd]

The note was undated, and without either signature or address.

"There will call upon you tonight, at a quarter to eight o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask.

"This is indeed a mystery (это в самом деле тайна)," I remarked (заметил я). "What do you imagine that it means (как вы думаете, что это значит; to imagine — полагать)?"

imagine [ɪˈmæʤɪn]

"I have no data yet (у меня нет пока данных). It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data (большая ошибка теоретизировать, не имея данных; before — до, пока). Insensibly (незаметно /для себя/: «нечувствительно») one begins to twist facts to suit theories (человек начинает подтасовывать факты, чтобы подогнать /их/ к теориям; to twist facts — извращать факты), instead of theories to suit facts (вместо того, чтобы выводить теории на основе фактов; to suit — подходить, соответствовать, удовлетворять требованиям). But the note itself (но сама записка). What do you deduce (какие выводы вы делаете; to deduce) from it?"

theorize [ˈƟɪǝraɪz], insensibly [ɪnˈsensɪblɪ], instead [ɪnˈsted]

I carefully examined the writing (я тщательно исследовал письмо), and the paper upon which it was written (и бумагу, на которой оно было написано; to write — писать).

"This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that it means?"

"I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. What do you deduce from it?"

I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was written.

"The man who wrote it (человек, который написал это) was presumably well-to-do (по-видимому, располагает средствами; well-to-do — зажиточный)," I remarked, endeavoring to imitate my companion's processes (стараясь подражать приемам моего товарища). "Such paper could not be bought under half a crown a packet (такая бумага не могла быть куплена = стоит не менее полкроны пачка; to buy — покупать). It is peculiarly strong and stiff (она очень прочная и плотная; peculiarly — особенно)."

"Peculiar — that is the very word (особая — самое подходящее: «то самое» слово)," said Holmes. "It is not an English paper at all (это не английская бумага вообще). Hold it up to the light (посмотрите ее на свет; to hold — держать)."

I did so (сделал так), and saw a large (и увидел большую) "E" with a small (вместе с маленьким) "g," a "P," and a large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper (вплетенные в структуру бумаги; to weave — вплетать, включать).

presumably [prɪˈzju:mǝblɪ], endeavoring [ɪnˈdevǝrɪŋ], peculiarly [pɪˈkju:lɪǝlɪ]

"The man who wrote it was presumably well-to-do," I remarked, endeavoring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly strong and stiff."

"Peculiar — that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an English paper at all. Hold it up to the light."

I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper.

"What do you make of that (какой вывод вы можете сделать из этого)?" asked Holmes.

"The name of the maker (имя производителя), no doubt (без сомнения); or his monogram, rather (или, скорее, его монограмма)."

"Not at all (вовсе нет). The 'G' with the small 't' stands for (обозначают) 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company' (что по-немецки означает «Компания»). It is a customary contraction like our 'Co.' (это обычное сокращение, как наше Ко.). 'P,' of course, stands for 'Papier' (означает «бумага»). Now for (теперь что касается) the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Gazetteer (заглянем в наш иностранный географический справочник; to glance — взглянуть)." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves (он достал с полок тяжелый коричневый том; to take down — снимать). "Eglow, Eglonitz — here we are (вот мы и нашли), Egria. It is in a German-speaking country — in Bohemia (это в местности, где говорят по-немецки — в Богемии; to speak — говорить), not far from (недалеко от) Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being the scene of the death of Wallenstein (знаменита тем, что там умер Валенштейн; scene — место /происшествия/; death — смерть), and for its numerous glass-factories and paper-mills (и своими многочисленными стекольными заводами и бумажными фабриками; glass — стекло; mill — завод, фабрика).' Ha, ha, my boy (ха-ха, мой мальчик), what do you make of that (что вы делаете из этого = какой вывод из этого вы делаете)?" His eyes sparkled (его глаза сверкнули), and he sent up a great blue triumphant cloud from his cigarette (и он выпустил из своей папиросы большое синее торжествующее облако; to send up — направить вверх).

customary [ˈkʌstǝmǝrɪ], death [deƟ], sparkled [spɑ:kl]

"What do you make of that?" asked Holmes.

"The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather."

"Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Eglow, Eglonitz — here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking country — in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue triumphant cloud from his cigarette.

"The paper was made in Bohemia (бумага была изготовлена в Богемии)," I said.

"Precisely (именно). And the man who wrote the note is a German (и человек, написавший письмо, немец). Do you note the peculiar construction of the sentence (вы замечаете странное построение предложения; to note — замечать) — 'This account of you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian could not have written that (француз или русский не мог бы так написать). It is the German (это немец) who is so uncourteous to his verbs (кто так неучтив к своим глаголам). It only remains (остается только), therefore (следовательно), to discover what is wanted by this German (что нужно этому немцу; to want — хотеть) who writes upon Bohemian paper and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face (который пишет на богемской бумаге и предпочитает носить маску, лишь бы не показывать своего лица; to show — показывать). And here he comes (а вот и он /сам/; to come — идти), if I am not mistaken (если я не ошибаюсь; mistake — ошибка), to resolve all our doubts (чтобы разрешить все наши сомнения)."

precisely [prɪˈsaɪslɪ], uncourteous [unˈkɜ:tɪǝs], doubts [dauts]

"The paper was made in Bohemia," I said.

"Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you note the peculiar construction of the sentence — 'This account of you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian could not have written that. It is the German who is so uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts."

As he spoke (когда он сказал /это/) there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs (послышался: «там был» резкий стук лошадиных копыт; sharp — острый, резкий) and grating wheels against the curb (и визг колес об обочину; to grate — скрипеть; curb — тротуар, обочина), followed by a sharp pull at the bell (затем кто-то резко дернул звонок; to follow — следовать). Holmes whistled (свистнул).

sound [saund], curb [kɜ:b]

"A pair, by the sound (пара /лошадей/, судя по звуку)," said he. "Yes," he continued (продолжал он), glancing out of the window (выглянув из окна). "A nice little brougham and a pair of beauties (милая маленькая карета и пара красавиц). A hundred and fifty guineas apiece (по сто пятьдесят гиней за каждую). There's money in this case (/там/ деньги в этом деле = дело пахнет деньгами), Watson, if there is nothing else (если ничего другого нет = так или иначе)."

"I think that I had better go (я думаю, что мне лучше уйти), Holmes."

brougham [ˈbru:ǝm], beauty [ˈbju:tɪ], guineas [ˈɡɪnɪz]

As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the bell. Holmes whistled.

"A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in this case, Watson, if there is nothing else."

"I think that I had better go, Holmes."

"Not a bit (вовсе нет = ничуть), Doctor. Stay where you are (оставайтесь /где вы есть/). I am lost without my Boswell (я потерян = что бы я делал без моего Босуэлла /James Boswell (1740 — 1795) — шотландский биограф/). And this promises to be interesting (и это /дело/ обещает быть интересным; to promise — обещать). It would be a pity to miss it (будет жаль пропустить его; to miss — упускать)."

"But your client (но ваш клиент) — "

"Never mind him (не обращайте на него внимания). I may want your help (мне может понадобиться ваша помощь), and so may he (и ему также). Here he comes (вот он идет). Sit down in that armchair (садитесь в это кресло), Doctor, and give us your best attention (и дайте нам ваше лучшее внимание = будьте очень внимательны)."

"Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity to miss it."

"But your client — "

"Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best attention."

A slow and heavy step (медленные тяжелые шаги; step — шаг, походка), which had been heard upon the stairs and in the passage (которые были слышны на лестнице и в коридоре), paused immediately outside the door (затихли немедленно перед дверью; to pause — делать паузу; outside — снаружи). Then there was a loud and authoritative tap (затем раздался: «там был» громкий и властный стук).

heavy [ˈhevɪ], authoritative [ɔ:ˈƟɒrɪtǝtɪv]

"Come in (войдите)!" said Holmes.

A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there was a loud and authoritative tap.

"Come in!" said Holmes.

A man entered (вошел человек) who could hardly have been less than six feet six inches in height (который мог едва ли быть меньше, чем шесть футов шесть дюймов ростом; foot — фут), with the chest and limbs of a Hercules (с грудью и конечностями Геркулеса = геркулесовского сложения). His dress was rich (он был одет богато; dress — одежда; rich — богатый) with a richness which would, in England, be looked upon as akin to bad taste (с богатством, которое в Англии сочли бы безвкусицей; to look upon — считать за; akin to — похожий на). Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat (рукава и отвороты его двубортного пальто были оторочены тяжелыми полосами из каракуля; to slash — полосовать; across — вдоль; double — двойной; breast — грудь), while the deep blue cloak (тогда как темно-синий плащ; deep — глубокий) which was thrown over his shoulders (который был накинут на его плечи) was lined with flame-colored silk (был подбит огненно-красным шелком; to line — обивать изнутри; flame — пламя; color — цвет) and secured at the neck with a brooch (и застегнут на шее брошью) which consisted of a single flaming beryl (которая состояла из одного пылающего берилла; to consist of — состоять из; single — одиночный). Boots which extended halfway up his calves (сапоги, которые доходили до половины его икр; to extend — простираться), and which were trimmed at the tops with rich brown fur (и которые были обшиты сверху дорогим коричневым мехом), completed the impression of barbaric opulence (дополняли /то/ впечатление варварского богатства) which was suggested by his whole appearance (которое производила вся его внешность; to suggest — предлагать). He carried a broad-brimmed hat in his hand (в руке он нес широкополую шляпу), while he wore across the upper part of his face (в то время как он носил на: «поперек» верхней части своего лица), extending down past the cheekbones (опускавшуюся ниже скул), a black vizard mask (черную маску; vizard — козырек /фражки/; забрало; маска), which he had apparently adjusted that very moment (которую он, видимо, надел только что; to adjust — приспособить, установить), for his hand was still raised to it as he entered (так как его рука все еще была поднята к ней, когда он вошел). From the lower part of the face (судя по нижней части лица) he appeared to be a man of strong character (он был человеком сильного характера; to appear to be — оказываться, казаться), with a thick, hanging lip (с толстой выпяченной губой), and a long, straight chin (и длинным прямым подбородком) suggestive of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy (говорящими о решительности, переходящей в упрямство; to push — толкать, наталкивать; length — длина, продолжительность).

opulence [ˈɔpjulǝns], appearance [ǝˈpɪǝrǝns], obstinacy [ˈɔbstɪnǝsɪ]

A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined with flame-colored silk and secured at the neck with a brooch which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy.

"You had my note (вы получили мою записку)?" he asked with a deep harsh voice (спросил он низким грубым голосом) and a strongly marked German accent (с сильным немецким акцентом; to mark — отмечать). "I told you that I would call (я сообщил, что приду к вам)." He looked from one to the other of us (он смотрел то на одного из нас, то на другого), as if uncertain which to address (как будто неуверенный, к кому обратиться).

harsh [hɑ:ʃ], uncertain [ʌnˈsǝ:tn]

"Pray take a seat (пожалуйста, садитесь; seat — место, сиденье)," said Holmes. "This is my friend and colleague (коллега), Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me in my cases (который время от времени любезно помогает мне в моих делах). Whom have I the honor to address (с кем имею честь говорить)?"

"You may address me as the Count Von Kramm (вы можете обращаться ко мне как к графу фон Крамму), a Bohemian nobleman (богемскому дворянину; noble — благородный). I understand that this gentleman (я полагаю, что этот джентльмен), your friend, is a man of honor and discretion (человек чести и благоразумия/осторожности), whom I may trust with a matter of the most extreme importance (кому я могу доверить дело самой чрезвычайной важности; to trust — верить). If not (если это не так), I should much prefer to communicate with you alone (я предпочел бы беседовать с вами наедине)."

"You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to address.

"Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me in my cases. Whom have I the honor to address?"

"You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honor and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate with you alone."

I rose to go (я встал, чтобы уйти; to rise — подниматься), but Holmes caught me by the wrist (но Холмс схватил меня за руку; to catch — хватать; wrist — запястье) and pushed me back into my chair (и толкнул меня обратно в кресло). "It is both, or none (оба или никакой = говорите либо с нами обоими, либо не говорите)," said he. "You may say before this gentleman anything which you may say to me (вы можете сказать в присутствии этого джентльмена все, что сказали бы мне)."

The Count shrugged his broad shoulders (граф пожал своими широкими плечами). "Then I must begin (тогда я должен начать)," said he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years (связывая вас обоих абсолютной тайной = обязуя вас обоих сохранять абсолютную тайну два года); at the end of that time (по прошествии этого времени) the matter will be of no importance (дело будет никакой важности = не будет иметь значения). At present it is not too much to say (в настоящее время это не слишком много сказать = я могу без преувеличения сказать) that it is of such weight (что это /дело/ такого веса = настолько серьезно) it may have an influence upon European history (что может иметь влияние = повлиять на историю Европы)."

"I promise (я обещаю)," said Holmes.

"And I."

caught [kɔ:t], wrist [rɪst], shoulders [ˈʃǝuldǝz], secrecy [ˈsi:krɪsɪ], influence [ˈɪnfluǝns]

I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say before this gentleman anything which you may say to me."

The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it may have an influence upon European history."

"I promise," said Holmes.

"And I."

"You will excuse this mask (извините эту маску)," continued our strange visitor (продолжал наш странный посетитель). "The august person who employs me (августейшее лицо, у которого я на службе; to employ — нанимать) wishes his agent to be unknown to you (желает, чтобы его представитель был неизвестен для вас), and I may confess at once (и я могу признаться вместе с тем; to confess — исповедаться) that the title by which I have just called myself is not exactly my own (что титул, которым я себя только что назвал, не совсем точно мой собственный)."

excuse [ɪkˈskju:s], agent [eɪʤnt], title [taɪtl]

"I was aware of it (я знал об этом; to be aware of — осознавать)," said Holmes drily (сказал Холмс сухо).

"The circumstances are of great delicacy (обстоятельства очень щекотливые; great — великий), and every precaution has to be taken (и каждая предосторожность должна быть принята = необходимо принять все меры) to quench what might grow to be an immense scandal (чтобы подавить /то/ что может разрастись до огромного скандала; to grow — расти) and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Europe (и серьезно скомпрометировать одну из царствующих династий Европы; family — семья). To speak plainly (говоря проще; plain — явный, прямой), the matter implicates the great House of Ormstein (это дело касается царствующего дома Ормштейнов; to implicate — вовлекать), hereditary kings of Bohemia (наследственных королей Богемии)."

circumstance [ˈsǝ:kǝmstæns], delicacy [ˈdelɪkǝsɪ], reigning [ˈreɪnɪŋ]

"You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have just called myself is not exactly my own."

"I was aware of it," said Holmes drily.

"The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia."

"I was also aware of that (об этом я тоже знал)," murmured Holmes (пробормотал Холмс), settling himself down in his armchair and closing his eyes (устраиваясь /поудобнее/ в кресле и закрывая глаза).

aware [ǝˈwɛǝ], murmured [ˈmɜ:mǝd]

Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise (наш посетитель взглянул с видимым удивлением; apparent — явный) at the languid, lounging figure of the man (на вялую, развалившуюся фигуру человека; to lounge — сидеть развалясь) who had been no doubt depicted to him (который был, без сомнения, описан ему; to depict — изображать) as the most incisive reasoner (как самый проницательный мыслитель; incisive — острый, точный) and most energetic agent in Europe (и самый энергичный сыщик в Европе). Holmes slowly reopened his eyes (Холмс медленно снова открыл глаза; slow — медленный) and looked impatiently at his gigantic client (и посмотрел нетерпеливо на своего огромного клиента; patient — терпеливый).

apparent [ǝˈpærǝnt], languid [ˈlæŋɡwɪd], lounging [ˈlaunʤɪŋ], doubt [daut]

"If your Majesty would condescend to state your case (если ваше величество соизволит изложить свое дело)," he remarked (заметил он), "I should be better able to advise you (мне легче будет дать вам совет; to be able /to do something/ — быть способным /сделать что-либо/)."

condescend [kɔndɪˈsend], able [eɪbl]

"I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself down in his armchair and closing his eyes.

Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his gigantic client.

"If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he remarked, "I should be better able to advise you."

The man sprang from his chair (человек вскочил со стула; to spring — прыгать, вскакивать) and paced up and down the room (и зашагал по комнате; to pace — расхаживать) in uncontrollable agitation (в неконтролируемом возбуждении; to control — управлять). Then, with a gesture of desperation (затем, с жестом отчаяния), he tore the mask from his face (он сорвал маску со своего лица; to tear — рвать, срывать) and hurled it upon the ground (и швырнул ее на пол; ground — поверхность, основание). "You are right (вы правы)," he cried (вскричал он; to cry — плакать, кричать); "I am the King (я король). Why should I attempt to conceal it (почему я должен пытаться скрывать это; to attempt — делать попытку)?"

agitation [æʤɪˈteɪʃn], gesture [ˈʤestʃǝ], conceal [kǝnˈsi:l]

"Why, indeed (зачем, действительно)?" murmured Holmes (пробормотал Холмс). "Your Majesty had not spoken (ваше величество не заговорило) before I was aware that I was addressing (как я уже знал, что обращаюсь к; before — прежде чем) Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein (великому князю Кассель-Фельштейнскому), and hereditary King of Bohemia (и наследственному королю Богемии)."

majesty [ˈmæʤɪstɪ], hereditary [hɪˈredɪtǝrɪ]

The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to conceal it?"

"Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia."

"But you can understand (но вы можете понять = понимаете)," said our strange visitor (сказал наш странный посетитель), sitting down once more (снова садясь; to sit down — садиться) and passing his hand over his high white forehead (и проводя рукой по своему высокому белому лбу; forehead: fore- — пред-, head — голова), "you can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in my own person (что я не привык заниматься такими делами лично: «в моей личной персоне»; accustomed — привычный). Yet the matter was so delicate (однако дело было настолько щекотливым) that I could not confide it to an agent (что я не мог доверить его агенту) without putting myself in his power (без помещения самого себя в его власть = не рискуя оказаться в его власти). I have come incognito from Prague (я прибыл инкогнито из Праги) for the purpose of consulting you (чтобы посоветоваться с вами; for the purpose of — с целью)."

forehead [ˈfɒrɪd], confide [kǝnˈfaɪd], Prague [prɑ:ɡ]

"Then, pray consult (тогда, пожалуйста, советуйтесь)," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more (закрывая глаза снова).

"The facts are briefly these (факты вкратце таковы; brief — короткий): Some five years ago (примерно пять лет назад), during a lengthy visit to Warsaw (во время продолжительного посещения Варшавы; length — длительность), I made the acquaintance of the well-known adventuress, Irene Adler (я сделал знакомство = познакомился с хорошо известной авантюристкой Ирэн Адлер; adventure — приключение, похождение). The name is no doubt familiar to you (имя, без сомнения, знакомо вам)."

briefly [ˈbri:flɪ], acquaintance [ǝˈkweɪntǝns], adventuress [ǝdˈventʃǝrɪs]

"But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting you."

"Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more.

"The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you."

"Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor (будьте любезны, посмотрите ее в моем каталоге, доктор; kind — добрый)," murmured Holmes without opening his eyes (пробормотал Холмс, не открывая глаз: «без открывания своих глаз»). For many years he had adopted a system of docketing all paragraphs (много лет назад он завел систему написания всех заметок; to adopt — усыновлять, принимать; to docket — делать надпись на документе) concerning men and things (касающихся людей и вещей), so that it was difficult to name a subject or a person (поэтому было трудно назвать объект или лицо) on which he could not at once furnish information (о которых он не мог сразу же предоставить информацию). In this case I found her biography (в данном случае я нашел ее биографию) sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a staff-commander (помещенную между той = биографией еврейского раввина и той = биографией начальника штаба; staff-commander: staff — штаб, commander — командир, начальник) who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea fishes (который написал монографию о глубоководных рыбах; deep — глубокий; sea — море).

concerning [kǝnˈsǝ:nɪŋ], furnish [ˈfǝ:nɪʃ], biography [baɪˈɔɡrǝfɪ]

"Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea fishes.

"Let me see (позвольте мне посмотреть = покажите)!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year 1858 (родилась в Нью-Джерси в 1858 году; to bear — рождать; to be born — родиться). Contralto — hum (контральто, гм)! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera of Warsaw — yes! Retired from operatic stage — ha (ушла с оперной сцены; to retire — уходить в отставку)! Living in London — quite so (живет в Лондоне — совершенно верно)! Your Majesty (ваше величество), as I understand (как я понимаю), became entangled with this young person (стали спутанными = попали в сети к этой молодой особе), wrote her some compromising letters (писали ей компрометирующие письма), and is now desirous of getting those letters back (и сейчас желающие получения этих писем назад = желали бы вернуть эти письма; to be desirous of — жаждать чего-либо)."

stage [steɪʤ], quite [kwaɪt], desirous [dɪˈzaɪrǝs]

"Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year 1858. Contralto — hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera of Warsaw — yes! Retired from operatic stage — ha! Living in London — quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and is now desirous of getting those letters back."

"Precisely so (именно так). But how (но как) — "

"Was there a secret marriage (была ли тайный брак = вы тайно женились на ней)?"

"None (нет)."

"No legal papers or certificates (никаких юридических документов или свидетельств)?"

"None."

marriage [ˈmærɪʤ]

"Precisely so. But how — "

"Was there a secret marriage?"

"None."

"No legal papers or certificates?"

"None."

"Then I fail to follow your Majesty (в таком случае, я не в состоянии следовать за вашим величеством = я вас не понимаю; to fail — потерпеть неудачу). If this young person should produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes (если эта молодая особа захочет использовать ее письма для шантажа или других целей; to produce — издавать, выпускать; blackmailing: black — черный, mail — письмо), how is she to prove their authenticity (как она /собирается/ доказать их подлинность)?"

"There is the writing (/есть/ /мой/ почерк)."

"Pooh, pooh! Forgery (тьфу, подлог)."

"My private note-paper (моя личная почтовая бумага)."

"Stolen (украдена; to steal — красть)."

blackmailing [ˈblækmeɪl], purpose [ˈpǝ:pǝs], authenticity [ɔ:tenˈtɪsɪtɪ], prove [pru:v], forgery [ˈfɔ:ʤrɪ]

"Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is she to prove their authenticity?"

"There is the writing."

"Pooh, pooh! Forgery."

"My private note-paper."

"Stolen."

"My own seal (моя личная печать)."

"Imitated (подделана)."

"My photograph (моя фотография)."

"Bought (куплена; to buy — покупать)."

"We were both in the photograph (мы были вдвоем на фотографии)."

"My own seal."

"Imitated."

"My photograph."

"Bought."

"We were both in the photograph."

"Oh, dear (о Боже)! That is very bad (это очень плохо)! Your Majesty has indeed committed an indiscretion (ваше величество действительно совершили неосторожность)."

"I was mad — insane (я был без ума — безрассуден; mad — сумасшедший; insane — психически ненормальный)."

insane [ɪnˈseɪn]

"You have compromised yourself seriously (вы серьезно скомпрометировали /сами/ себя)."

"I was only Crown Prince then (я был всего лишь наследным принцем тогда). I was young (я был молод). I am but thirty now (мне только тридцать сейчас)."

"Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an indiscretion."

"I was mad — insane."

"You have compromised yourself seriously."

"I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now."

"It must be recovered (это должно быть возвращено)."

"We have tried and failed (мы пытались и потерпели неудачу)."

failed [field]

"Your Majesty must pay (ваше величество должны заплатить). It must be bought (/фотография/ должна быть куплена)."

"She will not sell (она не продаст)."

"Stolen, then (украдена, в таком случае)."

"It must be recovered."

"We have tried and failed."

"Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought."

"She will not sell."

"Stolen, then."

"Five attempts have been made пять попыток было сделано). Twice burglars in my pay ransacked her house (дважды взломщики, нанятые мной: «в моей плате» обшарили ее дом). Once we diverted her luggage when she traveled (однажды мы обыскали ее багаж, когда она путешествовала; to divert — отвлечь, увести в сторону). Twice she has been waylaid (дважды она была перехвачена по пути). There has been no result (там был никакой результат = никаких результатов)."

"No sign of it (нет признаков этого = никаких)?"

"Absolutely none (абсолютно никаких)."

burglars [ˈbǝ:ɡlǝz], ransacked [ˈrænsækt], luggage [ˈlʌɡɪʤ]

"Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice she has been waylaid. There has been no result."

"No sign of it?"

"Absolutely none."

Holmes laughed (засмеялся). "It is quite a pretty little problem (это довольно милая маленькая проблема = вот так задача)," said he.

"But a very serious one to me (но для меня очень серьезная /задача/)," returned the King reproachfully (ответил король укоризненно).

"Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the photograph (и что она предполагает сделать с фотографией)?"

"To ruin me (погубить меня)."

"But how?"

"I am about to be married (я собираюсь жениться: «я рядом с тем, чтобы быть женатым»)."

"So I have heard (об этом я слышал)."

propose [prǝˈpǝuz]

Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he.

"But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully.

"Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the photograph?"

"To ruin me."

"But how?"

"I am about to be married."

"So I have heard."

"To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen (на Клотильде Лотман фон Саксе-Менинген), second daughter of the King of Scandinavia (второй дочери короля Скандинавии). You may know the strict principles of her family (вы, может быть, знаете строгие принципы ее семьи). She is herself the very soul of delicacy (она сама — душа изысканности = воплощенная изысканность). A shadow of a doubt as to my conduct (тень сомнения относительно моего прошлого; conduct — поведение, поступок) would bring the matter to an end (привело бы дело к концу = к разрыву)."

"And Irene Adler?"

"Threatens to send them the photograph (угрожает послать им фотографию). And she will do it (и она это сделает). I know that she will do it. You do not know her (вы не знаете ее), but she has a soul of steel (но у нее душа из стали = железный характер). She has the face of the most beautiful of women (у нее лицо самой прекрасной из женщин), and the mind of the most resolute of men (и разум самого твердого из мужчин). Rather than I should marry another woman (только бы не дать мне жениться на другой; rather than — скорее чем), there are no lengths to which she would not go — none (она ни перед чем не остановится: «нет таких расстояний, которые бы она не прошла»)."

daughter [ˈdɔ:tǝ], family [ˈfæmǝlɪ], threaten [Ɵretn], beautiful [ˈbju:tɪfǝl], marry [ˈmærɪ]

"To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end."

"And Irene Adler?"

"Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not go — none."

"You are sure that she has not sent it yet (вы уверены, что она не послала ее еще)?"

"I am sure (уверен)."

"And why?"

"Because she has said that she would send it on the day (потому что она сказала, что пошлет ее в тот день) when the betrothal was publicly proclaimed (когда помолвка будет публично объявлена; to proclaim — провозглашать). That will be next Monday (это будет /в/ следующий понедельник)."

betrothal [bɪˈtrǝuðǝl], publicly [ˈpʌblɪklɪ], proclaimed [prǝˈkleɪmd]

"Oh, then we have three days yet (у нас есть только три дня)," said Holmes with a yawn (сказал Холмс, зевая: «с зевком»). "That is very fortunate (это очень удачно), as I have one or two matters of importance to look into just at present (так как у меня есть одно или два важных дела, чтобы заняться /ими/ сейчас; to look into — рассматривать). Your Majesty will, of course, stay in London for the present (ваше величество, конечно, остаетесь в Лондоне пока)?"

yawn [jɔ:n], fortunate [ˈfɔ:tʃǝnǝt], importance [ɪmˈpɔ:tns]

"You are sure that she has not sent it yet?"

"I am sure."

"And why?"

"Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday."

"Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in London for the present?"

"Certainly (конечно). You will find me at the Langham (вы найдете меня в «Лэнгхэме»), under the name of the Count Von Kramm (под именем графа фон Крамма)."

"Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress (тогда я черкну вам пару строк, чтобы дать вам знать, как мы продвигаемся = каковы наши успехи)."

"Pray do so (пожалуйста, сделайте так = очень вас прошу). I shall be all anxiety (я так волнуюсь: «я буду весь беспокойство»)."

"Then, as to money (ну, а как насчет денег)?"

"You have carte blanche (у вас полная свобода действий: «карт бланш» — франц.)."

"Absolutely?"

anxiety [æŋˈzaɪǝtɪ]

"Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Count Von Kramm."

"Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress."

"Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety."

"Then, as to money?"

"You have carte blanche."

"Absolutely?"

"I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom to have that photograph (я отдал бы одну из провинций моего королевства, чтобы иметь эту фотографию = за эту фотографию)."

"And for present expenses (а для текущих расходов)?"

The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak (король достал тяжелый замшевый кожаный мешочек из-под плаща; bag — сумка, куль) and laid it on the table (и положил его на стол).

"There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in notes (там = в нем три сотни фунтов золотом: «в золоте» и семь сотен ассигнациями: «в ассигнациях»)," he said.

province [ˈprɔvɪns], chamois [ˈʃæmwa:], leather [ˈleðǝ]

"I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom to have that photograph."

"And for present expenses?"

The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak and laid it on the table.

"There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in notes," he said.

Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book (Холмс небрежно написал расписку на странице своей записной книжки) and handed it to him (и вручил ее королю).

scribbled [skrɪbld], receipt [rɪˈsi:t]

"And Mademoiselle's address (адрес мадемуазель)?" he asked.

"It’s Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood."

Holmes took a note of it (Холмс записал это: «взял записку этого»). "One other question (еще один вопрос)," said he. "Was the photograph a cabinet (фотография была кабинетного формата)?"

"It was (да)."

"Then, good-night, your Majesty (итак, спокойной ночи, ваше величество), and I trust that we shall soon have some good news for you (и я полагаю, что скоро у нас будут хорошие новости для вас). And good-night, Watson," he added (добавил он), as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street (когда колеса королевской кареты застучали по улице = мостовой; to roll — катиться, греметь). "If you will be good enough to call tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock (если вы будете любезны = будьте любезны зайти завтра в три часа) I should like to chat this little matter over with you (я хотел бы побеседовать с вами об этом маленьком деле; to chat — болтать)."

brougham [ˈbru:ǝm], chat [tʃæt]

Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and handed it to him.

"And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked.

"It’s Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood."

Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the photograph a cabinet?"

"It was."

"Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If you will be good enough to call tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you."

II

At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street (в три часа ровно я был на Бейкер-стрит), but Holmes had not yet returned (но Холмс еще не вернулся). The landlady informed me (хозяйка квартиры = домовладелица сообщила мне; landlady: land — земля, недвижимость, lady — дама, госпожа) that he had left the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning (что он вышел из дома вскоре после восьми часов утром = в начале девятого; to leave — покидать, оставлять; short — короткий). I sat down beside the fire (я сел у камина = огня), however (тем не менее), with the intention of awaiting him (с намерением дождаться его; to wait — ждать), however long he might be (несмотря на то, каким медлительным он может быть = сколько бы ни пришлось ждать). I was already deeply interested in his inquiry (я был уже глубоко заинтересован в его расследовании = интересовался его расследованием), for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and strange features (хотя оно не было окружено никакими мрачными и странными чертами = было лишено мрачных и странных черт) which were associated with the two crimes (которые ассоциировались с теми двумя преступлениями) which I have already recorded (о которых я уже писал; to record — записывать), still (все же), the nature of the case and the exalted station of his client (сущность этого дела и высокое положение его клиента; exalted — высокопоставленный) gave it a character of its own (давали ему характер его собственный = придавали делу необычный характер). Indeed (действительно), apart from the nature of the investigation (не говоря уже о сущности расследования; apart from — помимо, не считая) which my friend had on hand (которое производил: «имел на руке» мой друг), there was something in his masterly grasp of a situation (было что-то в его мастерском схватывании ситуации = с каким мастерством он овладел ситуацией), and his keen, incisive reasoning (и в его тонкой проницательной логике; reasoning — логическое мышление), which made it a pleasure to me to study his system of work (которые доставляли мне удовольствие изучать его систему работы: «которые сделали это удовольствием для меня»), and to follow the quick, subtle methods (и следовать за быстрыми, неуловимыми приемами; subtle — утонченный, тонкий; неуловимый) by which he disentangled the most inextricable mysteries (с помощью которых он распутывал самые неразрешимые тайны). So accustomed was I to his invariable success (так привычен был я к его неизменному успеху) that the very possibility of his failing (что сама возможность его неудачи) had ceased to enter into my head (не укладывалась у меня в голове; to cease — перестать, стихать; to enter — входить).

landlady [lændleɪdɪ], inquiry [ɪnˈkwaɪǝrɪ], exalted [ɪɡˈzɔ:ltɪd], pleasure [ˈpleʒǝ]

At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and strange features which were associated with the two crimes which I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to enter into my head.

It was close upon four before the door opened (было около четырех, когда дверь открылась; close upon — почти, примерно), and a drunken-looking groom (и подвыпивший: «пьяновыглядящий» конюх; to drink — пить), ill-kempt and side-whiskered (нечесаный и с растрепанными бакенбардами; side-whiskered: side — сторона, бок, whiskered — носящий бакенбарды), with an inflamed face and disreputable clothes (с воспаленным лицом и вульгарно одетый; disreputable — позорный, постыдный; clothes — одежда), walked into the room (вошел в комнату). Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of disguises (как ни привык я к удивительным способностям моего друга изменять свой внешний вид; disguise — переодевание), I had to look three times (я должен был = мне пришлось посмотреть три раза) before I was certain that it was indeed he (прежде чем я был уверен, что это был действительно он). With a nod he vanished into the bedroom (с кивком = кивнув, он исчез в спальне), whence he emerged in five minutes (откуда он появился через пять минут) tweed-suited and respectable (одетый в клетчатый костюм и солидный; tweed-suited: tweed — ткань в мелкую клетку, suit — костюм), as of old (как всегда; old — старый). Putting his hands into his pockets (сунув руки в карманы), he stretched out his legs in front of the fire (он вытянул ноги перед камином) and laughed heartily for some minutes (и очень смеялся несколько минут; heartily — сердечно).

whiskered [ˈwɪskǝd], disreputable [dɪsˈrepjutǝbl], amazing [ǝˈmeɪzɪŋ], laughed [lɑ:ft]

"Well, really (ну, право)!" he cried (воскликнул он), and then he choked and laughed again (и затем он поперхнулся и засмеялся вновь) until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the chair (до тех пор пока он был вынужден откинуться, слабый и беспомощный, в кресле).

It was close upon four before the door opened, and a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes.

"Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the chair.

"What is it (что это = в чем дело)?"

"It's quite too funny (/это/ очень смешно). I am sure you could never guess (я уверен, вы никогда не угадаете) how I employed my morning, or what I ended by doing (как я провел: «употребил» мое утро или что я в конце концов сделал)."

"I can't imagine (не могу представить). I suppose that you have been watching the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler (я полагаю, что вы наблюдали: «были наблюдающие» за привычками и, возможно, домом мисс Ирэн Адлер)."

guess [ɡes],imagine [ɪˈmæʤɪn], habits [ˈhæbɪts]

"What is it?"

"It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I employed my morning, or what I ended by doing."

"I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler."

"Quite so (совершенно верно); but the sequel was rather unusual (но продолжение было довольно необычным). I will tell you, however (я расскажу вам, однако). I left the house a little after eight o'clock this morning (я вышел из дома в начале девятого этим утром) in the character of a groom out of work (под видом: «в образе» безработного конюха; out of work — безработный). There is a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsy men (удивительная симпатия и взаимопонимание существуют среди людей, имеющих дело с лошадьми). Be one of them (будьте одним из них), and you will know all that there is to know (и вы узнаете все, что вам надо знать). I soon found Briony Lodge (я вскоре нашел Брайони-лодж). It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back (это маленькая изящная вилла, с садом сзади; bijou — маленький, драгоценный; /«драгоценность» по франц./), but built out in front right up to the road (но пристроенная впереди = выходящая вплотную к дороге), two stories (два этажа). Chubb lock to the door (замóк «Чабб» /фирменное название/ на двери). Large sitting-room on the right side, well furnished (большая гостиная на правой стороне, хорошо обставленная; to furnish — меблировать), with long windows almost to the floor (с высокими окнами почти до пола), and those preposterous English window fasteners (и с теми нелепыми английскими оконными задвижками; to fasten — скреплять) which a child could open (которые мог бы открыть ребенок). Behind there was nothing remarkable (позади /дома/ не было ничего замечательного), save that the passage window could be reached from the top of the coach-house (за исключением того, что окно галереи может быть достигнуто = можно добраться с крыши каретного сарая; coach — экипаж, карета). I walked round it and examined it closely from every point of view (я обошел его кругом и рассмотрел его внимательно с каждой точки зрения = со всех сторон), but without noting anything else of interest (но не заметил ничего интересного: «без замечания чего бы то ни было еще интересного»).

sequel [ˈsi:kwǝl], wonderful [ˈwʌndǝful], remarkable [rɪˈmɑ:kbl], view [vju:]

"Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsy men. Be one of them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without noting anything else of interest.

"I then lounged down the street and found (затем я побрел вдоль улицы и нашел = увидел; to lounge — слоняться), as I expected (как я ожидал), that there was a mews in a lane (что там были конюшни в переулке) which runs down by one wall of the garden (который спускается = примыкает к одной из стен сада). I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses (я помог конюхам: «одолжил конюхам руку» с чисткой лошадей; ostler — конюх на постоялом дворе), and received in exchange twopence (и получил взамен два пенса), a glass of half and half (стакан водки; half — половина), two fills of shag tobacco (две щепотки крепкого табаку), and as much information as I could desire about Miss Adler (и так много информации об Ирэн Адлер, как я мог желать), to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the neighborhood (не говоря уже: «сказать ничего» о полудюжине других людей /живущих/ по соседству) in whom I was not in the least interested (в которых я был нисколько не заинтересован; not in the least — вовсе не, ничуть), but whose biographies I was compelled to listen to (но чьи биографии я был вынужден слушать)."

lounged [launʤd], mews [mju:z], horse [hɔ:s], dozen [dʌzn]

"And what of Irene Adler (а что об Ирэн Адлер)?" I asked.

"I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the neighborhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but whose biographies I was compelled to listen to."

"And what of Irene Adler?" I asked.

"Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part (она вскружила головы всем мужчинам в этой части /города/; to turn — вращать). She is the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet (она самое изящное существо, носящее дамскую шляпку: «под дамской шляпкой» на этой планете). So say the Serpentine Mews (так говорят серпентайнские конюхи), to a man (все как один /человек/). She lives quietly (она живет тихо), sings at concerts (поет на концертах), drives out at five every day (выезжает кататься в пять /часов/ каждый день; to drive out — прокатиться /в автомобиле/), and returns at seven sharp for dinner (и возвращается в семь ровно к ужину). Seldom goes out at other times (редко выходит в другое время), except when she sings (кроме /тех случаев/ когда она поет). Has only one male visitor (у нее только один посетитель-мужчина), but a good deal of him (но зато часто; a good deal of — много). He is dark, handsome, and dashing (он брюнет, красив и энергичен), never calls less than once a day, and often twice (никогда не посещает /ее/ меньше одного раза в день, и часто дважды /в день/). He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple (он = его имя мистер Годфри Нортон из Внутреннего Темпла). See the advantages of a cabman as a confidant (видите преимущества кебмана = кучера как доверенного лица = видите, как выгодно войти в доверие к кучерам). They had driven him home a dozen times from Serpentine Mews (они возили его домой много раз: «дюжину раз» от серпентайнских конюшен), and knew all about him (и знают все о нем). When I had listened to all they had to tell (когда я выслушал все, что у них было сказать), I began to walk up and down near Briony Lodge once more (я начал ходить снова взад и вперед около Брайони-лодж), and to think over my plan of campaign (и обдумывать мой план операции = дальнейшие действия).

bonnet [ˈbɒnɪt], advantage [ǝdˈvɑ:ntɪʤ], handsome [ˈhænsǝm], campaign [kæmˈpeɪn]

"Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him home a dozen times from Serpentine Mews, and knew all about him. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan of campaign.

"This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the matter (этот Годфри Нортон был, очевидно, важным фактором = играл существенную роль в деле). He was a lawyer (он был адвокатом; law — закон). That sounded ominous (это звучало зловеще). What was the relation between them (что была за связь между ними = что их связывало), and what the object of his repeated visits (и какова причина его частых посещений; to repeat — повторяться)? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress (была ли она его клиентка, его друг, или его возлюбленная)? If the former (если первая), she had probably transferred the photograph to his keeping (она, возможно, передала ему фотографию для хранения). If the latter (если последняя), it was less likely (это /было/ менее вероятно). On the issue of this question depended (от решения этого вопроса зависело; issue — исход, результат) whether I should continue my work at Briony Lodge (/следует ли мне/ продолжать работу в Брайони-лодж), or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Temple (или обратить внимание на квартиру этого джентльмена в Темпле). It was a delicate point (это был щекотливый вопрос), and it widened the field of my inquiry (и он расширил поле моего расследования; wide — широкий). I fear that I bore you with these details (я боюсь, что надоедаю вам этими: «с этими» деталями), but I have to let you see my little difficulties (но я должен показать вам: «позволить увидеть» мои маленькие трудности), if you are to understand the situation (чтобы вы поняли ситуацию: «если вы должны понять ситуацию»)."

important [ɪmˈpɔ:tǝnt], lawyer [ˈlɔ:je], field [fi:ld]

"I am following you closely (я следую за вами близко = внимательно слежу за вашим рассказом)," I answered (ответил).

"This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the situation."

"I am following you closely," I answered.

"I was still balancing the matter in my mind (я все еще взвешивал: «был взвешивающим» это дело в уме; to balance — обдумывать) when a hansom cab drove up to Briony Lodge (когда двухколесный экипаж подъехал к Брайони-лодж; to drive up — подкатывать), and a gentleman sprang out (и какой-то джентльмен выскочил /из него/). He was a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached (он был необычайно красивый, смуглый, с орлиным носом и усатый; aquiline — орлиный) — evidently the man of whom I had heard (/совершенно/ очевидно тот человек, о котором я слышал). He appeared to be in a great hurry (он, казалось, очень спешил: «был в великой спешке»), shouted to the cabman to wait (крикнул кучеру ждать), and brushed past the maid (и прошмыгнул мимо горничной; to brush past — пробежать мимо) who opened the door (которая открыла дверь) with the air of a man who was thoroughly at home (с видом человека, который был совершенно дома = чувствовал себя хозяином).

moustached [mǝsˈtɑ:ʃt], hurry [ˈhʌrɪ], thoroughly [ˈƟʌrǝlɪ]

"I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached— evidently the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly at home.

"He was in the house about half an hour (он был в доме примерно полчаса), and I could catch glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room (и я мог видеть: «я мог поймать» его мелькания через окна гостиной), pacing up and down (расхаживающего взад и вперед), talking excitedly (разговаривающего возбужденно), and waving his arms (и размахивающего руками). Of her I could see nothing (ее я не видел: «мог видеть ничего»). Presently he emerged (вскоре он вышел), looking even more flurried than before (выглядя еще более взволнованно, чем раньше). As he stepped up to the cab (подойдя к экипажу), he pulled a gold watch from his pocket (он достал золотые часы из кармана) and looked at it earnestly (и озабоченно посмотрел на них; earnest — серьезный), 'Drive like the devil (гоните как дьявол),' he shouted (крикнул он), 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street (сначала к «Гросс энд Хэнкиз» на Риджент-стрит), and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road (а потом к церкви Святой Моники на Эджвер-роуд). Half a guinea if you do it in twenty minutes (полгинеи, если сделаете это за двадцать минут)!'

excitedly [ɪkˈsaɪtɪdlɪ], flurried [ˈflʌrid], church [tʃɜ:tʃ], guinea [ˈɡɪnɪ]

"He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if you do it in twenty minutes!'

"Away they went (они умчались), and I was just wondering whether I should not do well to follow them (и я еще задавал себе вопрос, не последовать ли мне за ними; to wonder — интересоваться; whether — ли) when up the lane came a neat little landau (когда вверх по переулку подкатило изящное маленькое ландо), the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned (кучер со своим пальто лишь наполовину застегнутым = пальто на кучере было полузастегнуто; button — пуговица), and his tie under his ear (и узел галстука под ухом), while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the buckles (в то время как все ремни упряжи выскочили из пряжек; tag — свободный конец, петля). It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall door and into it (не успело оно останиться, как она выскочила из входной двери и влетела в ландо). I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment (я видел ее лишь одно мгновение), but she was a lovely woman (но она была милая женщина), with a face that a man might die for (с лицом, за которое мужчина мог бы умереть = в которое мужчины влюбляются до смерти).

wonder [ˈwʌndǝ], whether [ˈweðǝ], buckles [bʌklz]

'The Church of St. Monica, John (церковь Святой Моники, Джон),' she cried, 'and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes (и полсоверена, если вы достигнете ее = доедете за двадцать минут).'

"Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for.

'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.'

"This was quite too good to lose, Watson (это было слишком хорошо, чтобы потерять = это был случай, которого нельзя было упустить). I was just balancing whether I should run for it (должен ли я побежать за ним; to run — бегать), or whether I should perch behind her landau (или должен ли я прицепиться к задку ландо; to perch — сесть, взгромоздиться) when a cab came through the street (когда = как вдруг по улице поехал кеб = показался наемный экипаж). The driver looked twice at such a shabby fare (водитель дважды посмотрел на такого убогого седока; shabby — потрепанный), but I jumped in before he could object (но я вскочил = впрыгнул прежде, чем он мог возразить). 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to twelve (было без двадцати пяти минут двенадцать: «двадцать пять минут до двенадцати»), and of course it was clear enough (и, конечно, было достаточно ясно) what was in the wind (в чем дело: «что было в воздухе»; to be in the wind — носиться в воздухе).

lose [lu:z], perch [pǝ:tʃ], fare [feǝ]

"This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind.

"My cabby drove fast (мой извозчик ехал быстро = мчался). I don't think I ever drove faster (я не думаю, /что/ я когда-либо ехал быстрее), but the others were there before us (но другие /экипажи/ были там раньше нас). The cab and the landau with their steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived (экипаж и ландо с их взмыленными лошадьми были = стояли перед дверью, когда я прибыл). I paid the man and hurried into the church (я заплатил человеку = кучеру и поспешил в церковь). There was not a soul there (там не было ни души) save the two (кроме /тех/ двух) whom I had followed (за которыми я следовал) and a surpliced clergyman (и священника; surplice — стихарь), who seemed to be expostulating with them (который, казалось, спорил с ними; to expostulate — убеждать, увещевать). They were all three standing in a knot in front of the altar (они все трое стояли: «были стоящими» перед алтарем; knot — группа людей). I lounged up the side aisle (я побрел по боковому придел храма) like any other idler (как любой другой бездельник) who has dropped into a church (который зашел в церковь; to drop into — заглянуть). Suddenly, to my surprise (внезапно, к моему удивлению), the three at the altar faced round to me (трое у алтаря повернулись ко мне), and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards me (и Годфри Нортон бросился так быстро, как только мог, ко мне).

clergyman [ˈklǝ:ʤɪmǝn], altar [ˈɔ:ltǝ], towards [tǝˈwɔ:dz]

"Thank God (слава Богу: «спасибо Богу»)," he cried. "You'll do (вы подойдете: «вы сделаете»). Come (идемте)! Come!"

"What then (в чем дело)?" I asked.

"Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal (пойдемте, человек = добрый человек, пойдемте, только три минуты, иначе это не будет законно; won't = will not)."

"My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards me.

"Thank God," he cried. "You'll do. Come! Come!"

"What then?" I asked.

"Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal."

"I was half-dragged up to the altar (я был полуподтащен = чуть ли не силой потащен к алтарю; to drag — таскать, волочить), and before I knew where I was (и прежде чем я знал, где нахожусь = не успев опомниться) I found myself mumbling responses (я бормотал ответы: «нашел себя бормочущим ответы»; to mumble — бормотать, мямлить) which were whispered in my ear (которые шептались: «были прошептаны» в мое ухо), and vouching for things of which I knew nothing (и поручался за вещи, о которых я не знал ничего = совершенно не знал; to vouch — подтверждать, поклясться), and generally assisting in the secure tying up (и вообще помогал тайному бракосочетанию: «связыванию») of Irene Adler, spinster, to Godfrey Norton, bachelor (Ирэн Адлер, девицы, с Годфри Нортоном, холостяком). It was all done in an instant (это все было сделано вмиг), and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side (и там был джентльмен, благодарящий меня с одной стороны) and the lady on the other (и леди — с другой), while the clergyman beamed on me in front (в то время как священник лучезарно улыбался мне, /стоя/ впереди; to beam — сиять). It was the most preposterous position (это было самое нелепое положение) in which I ever found myself in my life (в каком я когда-либо оказывался: «находил себя» в своей жизни), and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just now (и это была мысль о том, что заставила меня смеяться прямо сейчас). It seems that there had been some informality about their license (по-видимому, там было какое-то несоблюдение формальностей в их бракосочетании; license — право, свидетельство), that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them without a witness of some sort (и /поэтому/ священник наотрез отказался поженить их без какого-либо свидетеля), and that my lucky appearance saved the bridegroom (и мое удачное появление избавило жениха) from having to sally out into the streets in search of a best man (от необходимости отправляться на улицу в поисках шафера: «лучшего человека»). The bride gave me a sovereign (невеста дала мне соверен), and I mean to wear it on my watch-chain (и я собираюсь носить ее на часовой цепочке) in memory of the occasion (в память об этом событии)."

mumbling [ˈmʌmblɪŋ], vouching [ˈvautʃɪŋ], bachelor [ˈbætʃǝlǝ], bridegroom [ˈbraɪdɡru:m]

"I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just now. It seems that there had been some informality about their license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion."

"This is a very unexpected turn of affairs (это очень неожиданный оборот дел)," said I; "and what then (и что /случилось/ затем)?"

"Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced (ну, я понял, что мои планы: «нашел мои планы» под серьезной угрозой; to menace — грозить). It looked as if the pair might take an immediate departure (это выглядело = казалось, что пара может предпринять немедленное отправление = может немедленно уехать), and so necessitate very prompt and energetic measures on my part (и, таким образом, вызвать необходимость очень быстрых и энергичных мер с моей стороны). At the church door, however, they separated (у церковной двери, однако, они разделились), he driving back to the Temple (он вернулся в Темпл), and she to her own house (а она к себе домой). 'I shall drive out in the park at five as usual (я буду кататься в парке в пять, как всегда),' she said as she left him (сказала она, прощаясь с ним). I heard no more (больше я ничего не слышал). They drove away in different directions (они уехали в разных направлениях), and I went off to make my own arrangements (а я ушел = вернулся, чтобы сделать мои собственные приготовления = взяться за свои приготовления)."

"Which are (какие: «которые суть»)?"

menaced [ˈmenɪst], departure [dɪˈpɑ:tʃǝ], necessitate [nɪˈsesɪteɪt], measures [ˈmeʒǝz]

"This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what then?"

"Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove away in different directions, and I went off to make my own arrangements."

"Which are?"

"Some cold beef and a glass of beer (немного холодной говядины и стакан пива)," he answered, ringing the bell (ответил он, звоня в колокольчик). "I have been too busy to think of food (я был слишком занят, чтобы думать о еде), and I am likely to be busier still this evening (и я, вероятно, буду еще более занят этим вечером). By the way, Doctor (кстати, доктор), I shall want your cooperation (я захочу ваше сотрудничество = мне понадобится ваше содействие)."

"I shall be delighted (я буду рад)."

"You don't mind breaking the law (вы не имеете ничего против, чтобы = не боитесь нарушить закон: «сломать закон»)?"

"Not in the least (нисколько)."

busy [ˈbɪzɪ], beer [bɪǝ], cooperation [kǝuˌɔpǝˈreɪʃn], delighted [dɪˈlaɪtɪd]

"Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want your cooperation."

"I shall be delighted."

"You don't mind breaking the law?"

"Not in the least."

"Nor running a chance of arrest (и шанс ареста = и возможность ареста /вас не пугает/)?"

"Not in a good cause (ради хорошего дела готов /и/ на это: in a good cause — чтобы сделать добро)."

"Oh, the cause is excellent (о, дело /повод/ превосходное)!"

"Then I am your man (тогда я к вашим услугам: «ваш человек»)."

"I was sure that I might rely on you (я был уверен = знал, что могу на вас положиться)."

"But what is it you wish (но что это, /то/ что вы желаете = что вы задумали)?"

sure [ʃuǝ], rely [rɪˈlaɪ]

"Nor running a chance of arrest?"

"Not in a good cause."

"Oh, the cause is excellent!"

"Then I am your man."

"I was sure that I might rely on you."

"But what is it you wish?"

"When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray (когда миссис Тернер принесет поднос = ужин; to bring in — вносить) I will make it clear to you (я вам все объясню: «сделаю это ясно вам»). Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare (сказал он, накидываясь жадно: «как голодный» на простую пищу; to turn on — включиться, пробуждать интерес) that our landlady had provided (которую предоставила наша домохозяйка), "I must discuss it while I eat (я должен обсудить это /с вами/ во время еды = пока я ем), for I have not much time (так как у меня мало времени). It is nearly five now (сейчас почти пять). In two hours we must be on the scene of action (через два часа мы должны быть на месте действия). Miss Irene, or Madame, rather (мисс Ирэн или, скорее, мадам = миссис) returns from her drive at seven (возвращается со своей прогулки в семь). We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her (мы должны быть в Брайони-лодж, чтобы встретить ее)."

tray [treɪ], hungrily [ˈhʌŋɡrɪlɪ], scene [si:n]

"And what then (и что затем)?"

"You must leave that to me (вы должны оставить это мне = предоставьте это мне). I have already arranged what is to occur (я уже подготовил то, что должно произойти). There is only one point on which I must insist (есть только один момент, на котором я должен настаивать). You must not interfere (вы не должны вмешиваться), come what may (что бы ни произошло). You understand (вы понимаете)?"

leave [li:v], occur [ǝˈkǝ:], interfere [ɪntǝˈfɪǝ]

"When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her."

"And what then?"

"You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must not interfere, come what may. You understand?"

"I am to be neutral (я должен быть нейтральным)?"

"To do nothing whatever (вот именно: «делать абсолютно ничего»). There will probably be some small unpleasantness (возможно, там будет = произойдет небольшая неприятность; pleasant — приятный). Do not join in it (не присоединяйтесь к этому = не вмешивайтесь). It will end in my being conveyed into the house (это кончится тем, что меня отнесут в дом; to convey — переправлять). Four or five minutes afterwards the sitting-room window will open (четыре или пять минут спустя откроют окно гостиной). You are to station yourself close to that open window (вы должны встать: «поставить себя» близко к этому открытому окну)."

"Yes (хорошо)."

"You are to watch me (вы должны наблюдать за мной), for I will be visible to you (так как я буду видимым для вас = у вас на виду)."

"Yes."

unpleasantness [ʌnˈplezntnɪs], conveyed [kǝnˈveɪd], afterwards [ˈɑ:ftǝwǝdz]

"I am to be neutral?"

"To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close to that open window."

"Yes."

"You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you."

"Yes."

"And when I raise my hand — so — (и когда я подниму руку — вот так) you will throw into the room what I give you to throw (вы бросите в комнату /то/ что я вам дам бросить), and will, at the same time, raise the cry of fire (и, в то же время, поднимите крик об огне = закричите: «Пожар!»). You quite follow me (вы меня понимаете)?"

"Entirely (вполне)."

"It is nothing very formidable (тут нет ничего страшного; formidable — гигантский; грозный)," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped roll from his pocket (доставая из кармана длинный сигарообразный сверток; to shape — придать форму). "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke rocket (это обыкновенная дымовая ракета; plumber — водопроводчик), fitted with a cap at either end (снабженная капсюлем с каждого конца = с обоих концов) to make it self-lighting (чтобы сделать ее самовоспламеняющейся). Your task is confined to that (ваша задача сводится к этому: «приурочена к этому»). When you raise your cry of fire, it will be taken up by quite a number of people (ваш крик будет подхвачен довольно многими людьми = множеством людей). You may then walk to the end of the street (вы можете затем дойти до конца улицы), and I will rejoin you in ten minutes (и я присоединюсь к вам через десять минут). I hope that I have made myself clear (я надеюсь, что вы поняли: «что я сделал себя ясным»)?"

formidable [ˈfɔ:mɪdǝbl], either [ˈaɪðǝ], rejoin [rɪˈʤɔɪnt]

"And when I raise my hand — so — you will throw into the room what I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of fire. You quite follow me?"

"Entirely."

"It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke rocket, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?"

"I am to remain neutral (должен оставаться нейтральным), to get near the window (стать рядом с окном), to watch you (наблюдать за вами), and at the signal (по сигналу) to throw in this object (забросить эту вещь), then to raise the cry of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street (ждать вас на углу улицы)."

"Precisely (совершенно верно)."

"Then you may entirely rely on me (тогда вы можете полностью положиться на меня)."

"That is excellent (/это/ отлично). I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I prepare for the new role (я думаю, пожалуй, это почти то время, когда я должен подготовиться = пора подготовиться к новой роли) I have to play (которую я вынужден играть)."

excellent [ˈeksǝlǝnt], prepare [priˈpeǝ]

"I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street."

"Precisely."

"Then you may entirely rely on me."

"That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I prepare for the new role I have to play."

He disappeared into his bedroom (он исчез в своей спальне) and returned in a few minutes (и вернулся через несколько минут) in the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist clergyman (в виде любезного и простодушного нонкомформистского священника; simple-minded: simple — простой, mind — ум). His broad black hat (его широкая черная шляпа), his baggy trousers (мешковатые брюки; bag — мешок), his white tie (белый галстук), his sympathetic smile (привлекательная улыбка), and general look of peering and benevolent curiosity (и общее выражение благожелательного любопытства; to peer — всматриваться) were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have equalled (были бесподобны: «были сравнимы лишь с мистером Джоном Хэром»). It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume (/дело/ было не только лишь в том, что Холмс сменил костюм). His expression, his manner, his very soul (выражение его /лица/, его манеры, самая душа его) seemed to vary with every fresh part that he assumed (казалось, изменялись с каждой новой: «свежей» ролью, которую он играл: «напускал на себя»). The stage lost a fine actor (сцена потеряла прекрасного актера), even as science lost an acute reasoner (равно как наука потеряла тонкого мыслителя), when he became a specialist in crime (когда он стал специалистом по /расследованию/ преступлений).

disappeared [dɪsǝˈpɪǝd], amiable [ˈeɪmɪǝbl], trousers [ˈtrauzǝz], science [ˈsaɪǝns]

He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in crime.

It was a quarter past six (было четверть седьмого: «четверть после шести») when we left Baker Street (когда мы покинули Бэйкер-стрит = вышли из дома), and it still wanted ten minutes to the hour (и это требовало еще десять минут до того часа = до назначенного часа оставалось еще десять минут) when we found ourselves in Serpentine Avenue (когда мы оказались: «нашли себя» на Серпентайн-авеню). It was already dusk (уже смеркалось; dusk — сумерки), and the lamps were just being lighted (и фонари только что зажглись: «были зажжены») as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge (когда мы расхаживали мимо Брайони-лодж), waiting for the coming of its occupant (ожидая прибытия его жильца). The house was just such as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes's succinct description (дом был точно такой, как я себе представлял по краткому/сжатому описанию Шерлока Холмса), but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected (но окрестность оказалась не такой безлюдной: «менее закрытой для публики», чем я ожидал). On the contrary (напротив), for a small street in a quiet neighborhood (для маленькой улицы в тихом районе), it was remarkably animated (она была необыкновенно оживленной). There was a group of shabbily dressed men (там была группа убого одетых людей = оборванцев) smoking and laughing in a corner (курящих и смеющихся на углу), a scissors-grinder with his wheel (точильщик /ножниц/ со своим колесом; scissors — ножницы), two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl (два гвардейца, которые флиртовали с нянькой), and several well-dressed young men (и несколько хорошо одетых молодых людей) who were lounging up and down with cigars in their mouths (которые слонялись туда-сюда с сигарами во рту: «в их ртах»).

quarter [ˈkwɔ:tǝ], occupant [ˈɔkjupǝnt], succinct [sǝkˈsɪŋkt], scissors [ˈsɪzǝz]

It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes's succinct description, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighborhood, it was remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with cigars in their mouths.

"You see (видите ли)," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the house (заметил Холмс, когда мы бродили туда-сюда перед домом), "this marriage rather simplifies matters (эта свадьба значительно упрощает дело). The photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now (фотография стала теперь обоюдоострым оружием; edge — кромка, край). The chances are that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Norton (шансы таковы = возможно, что она так же не хочет, чтобы фотографию увидел Годфри Нортон; averse — неохотный, нерасположенный), as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his princess (как не хочется нашему клиенту, чтобы она попалась на глаза его принцессе). Now the question is (теперь вопрос такой = в том) — Where are we to find the photograph (где мы найдем фотографию)?"

"Where, indeed (действительно, где)?"

weapon [ˈwepǝn], averse [ǝvǝ:s], client [ˈklaɪǝnt]

"You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his princess. Now the question is — Where are we to find the photograph?"

"Where, indeed?"

"It is most unlikely (наиболее = совершенно невероятно) that she carries it about with her (что она носит ее с собой). It is cabinet size (/фотография/ кабинетного размера). Too large for easy concealment about a woman's dress (слишком большая для легкого утаивания под женским платьем). She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid and searched (она знает, что король способен ее куда-нибудь заманить и обыскать). Two attempts of the sort have already been made (две попытки такого рода уже были сделаны). We may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her (мы можем принять это = заключить, что она не носит это с собой)."

"Where, then (где тогда)?"

size [saɪz], concealment [kǝnˈsɪlmǝnt], capable [ˈkeɪpǝbl]

"It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her."

"Where, then?"

"Her banker or her lawyer (ее банкир или ее адвокат = у банкира или адвоката). There is that double possibility (возможно, и то, и другое = двойная возможность). But I am inclined to think neither (но я склонен думать, /что/ ни то, ни другое). Women are naturally secretive (женщины по природе своей скрытны), and they like to do their own secreting (и они любят окружать себя секретами). Why should she hand it over to anyone else (почему она должна передавать это кому-то еще = делиться тайной с кем-то еще)? She could trust her own guardianship (она могла положиться на собственное умение хранить вещи: «довериться своему собственному попечительству»; guardian — опекун), but she could not tell (но она не могла сказать = не была уверена) what indirect or political influence (какое непрямое или политическое влияние) might be brought to bear upon a businessman (может быть оказано: «принесено» в отношении делового человека; to bear upon — касаться, относиться к). Besides (кроме того), remember that she had resolved to use it within a few days (вспомните, что она решила использовать фотографию в ближайшие дни). It must be where she can lay her hands upon it (это должно быть /там/, где она может положить руки на нее = снимок должен быть под рукой). It must be in her own house (он должен быть в ее собственном доме)."

"But it has twice been burgled (но он был дважды подвергнут работе взломщиков)."

"Pshaw (подумаешь!)! They did not know how to look (они не знали, как надо искать)."

possibility [ˌpɔsǝˈbɪlɪtɪ], secretive [sɪˈkrɪtɪv], guardianship [ˈɡɑ:dɪǝnʃɪp]

"Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be brought to bear upon a businessman. Besides, remember that she had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house."

"But it has twice been burgled."

"Pshaw! They did not know how to look."

"But how will you look (а как вы будете искать)?"

"I will not look."

"What then?"

"I will get her to show me (я сделаю так, что она сама покажет мне: «заставлю ее показать мне»)."

"But she will refuse (но она откажется)."

"She will not be able to (ей это не удастся). But I hear the rumble of wheels (но я слышу грохот колес). It is her carriage (это ее карета). Now carry out my orders to the letter (теперь в точности: «буква в букву» выполняйте мои указания)."

rumble [ˈrʌmbl], carriage [ˈkærɪʤ]

"But how will you look?"

"I will not look."

"What then?"

"I will get her to show me."

"But she will refuse."

"She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter."

As he spoke, the gleam of the sidelights of a carriage (когда он говорил, отблеск боковых фонарей кареты) came round the curve of the avenue (показался на повороте авеню). It was a smart little landau (это было модное маленькое ландо) which rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge (которое подкатило к двери Брайони-лодж; to rattle — трещать, грохотать, греметь). As it pulled up (когда оно остановилось), one of the loafing men at the corner (один из бездельников, /стоявших/ на углу; to loaf — бездельничать) dashed forward to open the door (бросился вперед открывать дверь) in the hope of earning a copper (в надежде заработать медяк), but was elbowed away by another loafer (но его оттолкнул локтем другой лентяй), who had rushed up with the same intention (который бросился с тем же намерением). A fierce quarrel broke out (вспыхнула яростная перебранка), which was increased by the two guardsmen (которая была усилена = распалена двумя гвардейцами), who took sides with one of the loungers (принявшими сторону одного из бездельников), and by the scissors-grinder (и точильщиком), who was equally hot upon the other side (который так же горячо встал на другую сторону). A blow was struck (удар был нанесен = завязалась драка), and in an instant the lady (и в одно мгновение леди), who had stepped from her carriage (вышедшая из экипажа), was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men (была = стала центром небольшой кучки возбужденных и дерущихся людей), who struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks (которые свирепо били друг друга кулаками и палками). Holmes dashed into the crowd to protect the lady (Холмс бросился в толпу, чтобы защитить леди); but just as he reached her (но как только он достиг ее) he gave a cry and dropped to the ground (он издал крик = вскрикнул и упал на землю), with the blood running freely down his face (с кровью, бегущей свободно вниз по его лицу = с залитым кровью лицом). At his fall the guardsmen took to their heels in one direction (после его падения гвардейцы бросились бежать: «взяли свои пятки» в одну сторону) and the loungers in the other (а бездельники — в другую), while a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle without taking part in it (в то время как несколько лучше одетых = более приличного вида людей, которые наблюдали потасовку без принятия участия в ней) crowded in to help the lady and to attend to the injured man (скучились = подбежали, чтобы помочь леди и позаботиться о раненом). Irene Adler, as I will still call her (Ирэн Адлер, как я буду по-прежнему называть ее), had hurried up the steps (взбежала быстро по ступеням); but she stood at the top (но она остановилась наверху) with her superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall (и ее: «с ее» великолепная фигура выделялась на фоне огней гостиной), looking back into the street (оглядываясь на улицу).

curve [kǝ:v], quarrel [ˈkwɔrǝl], crowd [kraud], injured [ˈɪnʤǝd]

As he spoke, the gleam of the sidelights of a carriage came round the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking back into the street.

"Is the poor gentleman much hurt (бедный джентльмен сильно ранен)?" she asked.

"He is dead (он мертв)," cried several voices (прокричало несколько голосов).

"No, no, there's life in him (нет, нет, он еще жив: «есть жизнь в нем»)!" shouted another (крикнул кто-то: «еще один»). "But he'll be gone before you can get him to hospital (но он умрет: «уйдет» раньше, чем вы сможете доставить его в больницу)."

"He's a brave fellow (он смелый парень)," said a woman. "They would have had the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him (они отобрали бы у леди кошелек и часы, если бы не он). They were a gang, and a rough one, too (это была банда = шайка, и притом очень опасная; rough — грубый, жесткий). Ah, he's breathing now (а, он дышит теперь = начал дышать)."

brave [breɪv], purse [pǝ:s], breathing [ˈbri:ðɪŋ]

"He can't lie in the street (он не может лежать на улице). May we bring him in, marm (можно нам внести его внутрь /дома/, мадам)?"

"Surely (конечно). Bring him into the sitting-room (перенесите его в гостиную). There is a comfortable sofa (там удобный диван). This way, please (сюда: «этот путь», пожалуйста!"

"Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked.

"He is dead," cried several voices.

"No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be gone before you can get him to hospital."

"He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now."

"He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?"

"Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable sofa. This way, please!"

Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge (медленно и торжественно он был внесен в Брайони-лодж) and laid out in the principal room (уложен в гостиной: «основной комнате»), while I still observed the proceedings from my post by the window (в то время, как я все еще наблюдал за происходившим со своего поста у окна; proceeding — акт, действие). The lamps had been lit (лампы были зажжены), but the blinds had not been drawn (но шторы не были опущены), so that I could see Holmes as he lay upon the couch (так что я мог видеть Холмса, лежащего на кушетке). I do not know whether he was seized with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing (я не знаю, был ли он захвачен угрызениями совести = упрекала ли его совесть в тот момент за то, что он играл такую роль), but I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life (но я знаю, что никогда не испытывал более глубокого стыда в моей жизни) than when I saw the beautiful creature (чем когда я увидел прекрасное существо) against whom I was conspiring (против которого я участвовал в заговоре), or the grace and kindliness with which she waited upon the injured man (или любезность и доброту, с которыми она ухаживала за раненым /человеком/; to wait upon — прислуживать). And yet it would be the blackest treachery to Holmes (но, тем не менее, это было бы чернейшей изменой = предательством по отношению к Холмсу) to draw back now from the part which he had entrusted to me (выйти сейчас из роли, которую он мне доверил = не выполнить его поручения). I hardened my heart (я сделал твердым свое сердце = с тяжелым сердцем), and took the smoke-rocket from under my ulster (и достал дымовую ракету из-под пальто). After all, I thought (в конечном итоге, подумал я), we are not injuring her (мы не причиняем ей вреда). We are but preventing her from injuring another (мы /только/ мешаем ей: «предохраняем ее от того, чтобы» повредить другому /человеку/).

solemnly [ˈsɔlǝmlɪ], seized [si:zd], ulster [ˈʌlstǝ]

Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had entrusted to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are but preventing her from injuring another.

Holmes had sat up upon the couch (Холмс сел прямо = приподнялся на кушетке), and I saw him motion like a man who is in need of air (и я увидел, как он делает движение, как задыхающийся человек: «нуждающийся в воздухе»). A maid rushed across and threw open the window (служанка бросилась вперед и распахнула окно). At the same instant I saw him raise his hand (в тот же миг я увидел, как он поднял руку) and at the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" (и по этому сигналу я бросил свою ракету в комнату с криком: «Пожар!») The word was no sooner out of my mouth (едва это слово слетело с моих губ: «из моего рта») than the whole crowd of spectators (как вся толпа наблюдателей), well dressed and ill (хорошо и плохо одетые) — gentlemen, ostlers, and servant-maids (джентльмены, конюхи и горничные) — joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" (подхватили общий крик: «Пожар!») Thick clouds of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window (густые: «толстые» облака дыма клубились в комнате и вырывались наружу из открытого окна). I caught a glimpse of rushing figures (я видел мелькание мечущихся людей), and a moment later the voice of Holmes from within (и мгновение позже /я услышал/ голос Холмса изнутри) assuring them that it was a false alarm (уверяющего их, что это ложная тревога). Slipping through the shouting crowd (проскальзывая через кричащую толпу) I made my way to the corner of the street (я направился: «сделал свой путь» к углу улицы), and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my friend's arm in mine (и через десять минут был обрадован найти руку моего друга в моей), and to get away from the scene of uproar (и уйти с места беспорядков). He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes (он шел быстро и молча: «в тишине» несколько минут) until we had turned down one of the quiet streets (пока мы не свернули на одну из тихих улиц) which lead towards the Edgeware Road (которые ведут на Эджвер-роуд).

couch [kautʃ], spectator [spekˈteɪtǝ], silence [ˈsaɪlǝns]

Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of spectators, well dressed and ill — gentlemen, ostlers, and servant-maids — joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Edgeware Road.

"You did it very nicely, Doctor (вы сделали это очень хорошо, доктор)," he remarked (заметил он). "Nothing could have been better (ничего не могло бы быть лучше = как нельзя лучше). It is all right (все в порядке)."

"You have the photograph (у вас есть фотография)?"

"I know where it is (я знаю, где она)."

"And how did you find out (и как /же/ вы выяснили /это/)?"

"She showed me, as I told you she would (она показала мне /фотографию/, как я вам говорил, что она это сделает)."

"I am still in the dark (я все еще ничего не понимаю: «все еще в неведении»; dark — тьма, незнание)."

"You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could have been better. It is all right."

"You have the photograph?"

"I know where it is."

"And how did you find out?"

"She showed me, as I told you she would."

"I am still in the dark."

"I do not wish to make a mystery (я не хочу делать тайну /из этого/)," said he, laughing (сказал он, смеясь). "The matter was perfectly simple (дело было совершенно простым). You, of course, saw that everyone in the street was an accomplice (вы, конечно, видели = догадались, что каждый на улице был /моим/ сообщником). They were all engaged for the evening (они все были наняты на тот вечер)."

"I guessed as much (я догадался об этом; as much — именно это, так)."

"Then, when the row broke out (ну, когда ссора вспыхнула), I had a little moist red paint in the palm of my hand (у меня было немного влажной красной краски в ладони /руки/). I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to my face (я ринулся вперед, упал, хлопнул рукой по своему лицу), and became a piteous spectacle (и стал жалким зрелищем). It is an old trick (это старый фокус)."

accomplice [ǝˈkʌmplɪs], engaged [ɪnˈɡeɪʤd], palm [pɑ:m], piteous [pɪtɪǝs], spectacle [ˈspektǝkl]

"I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening."

"I guessed as much."

"Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick."

"That also I could fathom (это я тоже мог постигнуть = об этом я тоже догадался)."

"Then they carried me in (затем они внесли меня внутрь). She was bound to have me in (она была вынуждена принять меня; to be bound /to do something/ — быть обязанным /сделать что-то/). What else could she do (что еще могла она сделать = что ей оставалось)? And into her sitting-room which was the very room which I suspected (и в ее гостиной, которая была именно той комнатой, которую я подозревал). It lay between that and her bedroom (это /фотография/ лежит либо там, либо в ее спальне), and I was determined to see which (и я решил выяснить = увидеть, где). They laid me on a couch (они уложили меня на кушетку), I motioned for air (я двинулся за воздухом = притворился, что задыхаюсь), they were compelled to open the window (они вынуждены были открыть окно) and you had your chance (и вы получили возможность /сделать свое дело/)."

"How did that help you (как это вам помогло)?"

bound [baund], determined [dɪˈtǝ:mind], chance [tʃɑ:ns]

"That also I could fathom."

"Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else could she do? And into her sitting-room which was the very room which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for air, they were compelled to open the window and you had your chance."

"How did that help you?"

"It was all-important (это было крайне важным). When a woman thinks that her house is on fire (когда женщина думает, что ее дом горит: «в огне»), her instinct is at once to rush to the thing (ее инстинкт — моментально броситься к вещи) which she values most (которую она ценит больше всего). It is a perfectly overpowering impulse (это чрезвычайно непреодолимый = очень властный импульс), and I have more than once taken advantage of it (и я не раз: «больше, чем однажды» извлекал пользу из него). In the case of the Darlington substitution scandal (в случае дарлингтонского скандала; substitution — замена) it was of use to me (это было полезно для меня), and also in the Arnsworth Castle business (и так же в деле с арнсворским замком). A married woman grabs at her baby (замужняя женщина хватает своего ребенка); an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box (незамужняя — свою шкатулку с драгоценностями; jewel-box: jewel — драгоценность, box — коробка). Now it was clear to me (теперь мне было ясно) that our lady of today (что наша современная леди: «леди сегодняшнего дня») had nothing in the house more precious to her (не имеет в доме ничего более ценного для себя) than what we are in quest of (чем то, что мы ищем; in quest of — в поисках). She would rush to secure it (она бросилась бы спасать это). The alarm of fire was admirably done (пожарная тревога была отлично сделана = разыграна). The smoke and shouting were enough to shake nerves of steel (дыма и крика было достаточно, чтобы потрясти стальные нервы). She responded beautifully (она среагировала превосходно). The photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel (фотография находится в тайнике позади выдвижной дощечки) just above the right bell-pull (как раз над правым шнурком звонка). She was there in an instant (она была там в одно мгновение), and I caught a glimpse of it (и я поймал мелькание фотографии = увидел краешек) as she half-drew it out (когда она наполовину вытащила ее). When I cried out that it was a false alarm (когда я выкрикнул, что что это ложная тревога), she replaced it (она вернула ее на место), glanced at the rocket (взглянула мельком на ракету), rushed from the room, and I have not seen her since (стремительно выбежала из комнаты, и я не видел ее с тех пор). I rose, and, making my excuses (я встал и, извиняясь: «делая извинения»), escaped from the house (сбежал из дома). I hesitated whether to attempt to secure the photograph at once (я колебался, попытаться ли достать фотографию сразу); but the coachman had come in (но вошел кучер), and as he was watching me narrowly (и так как он пристально следил за мной; narrow — узкий) it seemed safer to wait (/мне/ безопаснее показалось подождать). A little over-precipitance may ruin all (небольшая излишняя поспешность может погубить все; over- — избыточный, чрезмерный) ."

value [ˈvælju:], advantage [ǝdˈvɑ:ntɪʤ], hesitated [ˈhezɪteɪtɪd]

"And now (а теперь = дальше)?" I asked.

"It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to me that our lady of today had nothing in the house more precious to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all."

"And now?" I asked.

"Our quest is practically finished (наши поиски практически закончены). I shall call with the King tomorrow (я навещу /Ирэн Адлер/ с королем завтра), and with you, if you care to come with us (и с вами, если вы захотите пойти с нами). We will be shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady (нас попросят подождать леди в гостиной: «мы будем проведены в гостиную, чтобы подождать леди»); but it is probable that when she comes (но, вероятно, что когда она придет) she may find neither us nor the photograph (она может не найти ни нас, ни фотографии; neither… nor — ни тот, ни другой). It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty (это может быть удовлетворением для его величества = его величеству, возможно, будет приятно) to regain it with his own hands (достать ее своими собственными руками; to regain — получить обратно)."

"And when will you call (а когда вы отправитесь /туда/)?"

quest [kwest], practically [ˈpræktɪklɪ], satisfaction [sætɪsˈfækʃn]

"Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King tomorrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady; but it is probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain it with his own hands."

"And when will you call?"

"At eight in the morning (в восемь, утром). She will not be up (она еще будет в постели; to be up — проснуться; быть на ногах; бодрствовать), so that we shall have a clear field (так что нам обеспечена полная свобода действий: «у нас будет чистое поле»). Besides, we must be prompt (кроме того, мы должны быть быстрыми), for this marriage may mean a complete change in her life and habits (потому что эта свадьба может означать полное изменение = могла полностью изменить ее жизнь и привычки). I must wire to the King without delay (я должен телеграфировать королю немедленно: «без задержки»)."

field [fi:ld], habits [ˈhæbɪts], delay [dɪˈleɪ]

We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door (мы достигли = добрались до Бэйкер-стрит и остановились у двери). He was searching his pockets for the key (он искал: «был ищущим» в карманах свой ключ), when someone passing said (когда кто-то проходящий = какой-то прохожий сказал):

"Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes (доброй ночи, мистер Шерлок Холмс)."

There were several people on the pavement at the time (на мостовой в это время было несколько человек), but the greeting appeared to come (но приветствие, видимо, исходило) from a slim youth in an ulster who had hurried by (от стройного юноши в длинном пальто, который быстро прошел мимо).

several [ˈsevǝrǝl], pavement [ˈpeɪvmǝnt], youth [ju:Ɵ]

"I've heard that voice before (я слышал этот голос раньше)," said Holmes, staring down the dimly lit street (сказал Холмс, оглядывая тускло освещенную улицу). "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have been (и вот я не понимаю, кто, черт возьми, это мог бы быть)."

voice [vɔɪs], deuce [dju:s]

"At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the King without delay."

We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was searching his pockets for the key, when someone passing said:

"Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes."

There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had hurried by.

"I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have been."

III

I slept at Baker Street that night (я спал на Бэйкер-стрит ту ночь), and we were engaged upon our toast and coffee in the morning (и мы сидели: «были заняты» за кофе с гренками утром) when the King of Bohemia rushed into the room (когда король Богемии ворвался = стремительно вошел в комнату).

"You have really got it (вы действительно достали ее)!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by either shoulder (хватая Холмса за каждое плечо = обнимая за плечи) and looking eagerly into his face (и нетерпеливо глядя ему в лицо).

"Not yet (нет еще)."

"But you have hopes (но вы надеетесь: «у вас есть надежды»)?"

"I have hopes."

grasping [ˈɡrɑ:spɪŋ], shoulder [ˈʃǝuldǝ], eagerly [ˈi:ɡǝlɪ]

I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed into the room.

"You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face.

"Not yet."

"But you have hopes?"

"I have hopes."

"Then, come (тогда идемте). I am all impatience to be gone (я сгораю от нетерпения: «весь нетерпение» /пойти/)."

"We must have a cab (мы должны иметь = нам нужна карета)."

"No, my brougham is waiting (нет, мой экипаж ждет /у дверей/)."

"Then that will simplify matters (в таком случае, это упростит делo)." We descended and started off once more for Briony Lodge (мы сошли вниз и отправились снова к Брайони-лодж; to start off — трогаться).

simplify [ˈsɪmplɪfaɪ], descended [dɪˈsendɪd]

"Irene Adler is married (Ирэн Адлер вышла замуж)," remarked Holmes (заметил Холмс).

"Married! When?"

"Yesterday (вчера)."

"Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone."

"We must have a cab."

"No, my brougham is waiting."

"Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off once more for Briony Lodge.

"Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes.

"Married! When?"

"Yesterday."

"But to whom (но за кого)?"

"To an English lawyer named Norton (за английского адвоката по имени Нортон)."

"But she could not love him (но она не может любить его = не любит же его)."

"I am in hopes that she does (я надеюсь: «в надеждах», что она любит)."

"And why in hopes (и почему /вы/ надеетесь)?"

"But to whom?"

"To an English lawyer named Norton."

"But she could not love him."

"I am in hopes that she does."

"And why in hopes?"

"Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future annoyance (потому что это избавило бы ваше величество от всякого страха будущей неприятности). If the lady loves her husband (если леди любит своего мужа), she does not love your Majesty (она не любит ваше величество). If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan (нет причин, по которым она должна помешать плану вашего величества)."

spare [spɛǝ], annoyance [ǝˈnɔɪǝns], reason [ˈri:zn]

"It is true (это правда = верно). And yet — (и все-таки)! Well (ну)! I wish she had been of my own station (я желаю, чтобы она была моего собственного положения = жаль, что она не одного ранга со мной)! What a queen she would have made (какая это бы была королева: «какую королеву она бы сделала»)!" He relapsed into a moody silence (он погрузился в угрюмое молчание), which was not broken (которое не было нарушено = которого он не прерывал) until we drew up in Serpentine Avenue (пока мы не остановились на Серпентайн-авеню).

yet [jet], station [steɪʃn], queen [kwi:n], moody [ˈmu:dɪ]

"Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan."

"It is true. And yet — ! Well! I wish she had been of my own station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Serpentine Avenue.

The door of Briony Lodge was open (дверь была открыта), and an elderly woman stood upon the steps (и пожилая женщина стояла на ступенях = лестнице). She watched us with a sardonic eye (она посмотрела на нас с какой-то иронией: «с сардоническим глазом») as we stepped from the brougham (когда мы вышли из экипажа).

elderly [ˈeldǝlɪ], sardonic [sɑ:ˈdɔnɪk], eye [aɪ]

"Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe (мистер Шерлок Холмс, я полагаю)?" said she.

"I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion (ответил мой товарищ), looking at her with a questioning and rather startled gaze (смотря на нее вопрошающим и довольно удивленным взглядом).

questioning [ˈkwestʃǝnɪŋ], startled [ˈstɑ:tlɪd], gaze [ɡeɪz]

"Indeed (действительно)! My mistress told me that you were likely to call (моя госпожа сказала мне, что вы, вероятно, зайдете). She left this morning with her husband (она уехала этим утром вместе со своим мужем) by the 5:15 train from Charing Cross for the Continent (поездом в 5:15 с вокзала Чаринг-Кросс на континент)."

The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped from the brougham.

"Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she.

"I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a questioning and rather startled gaze.

"Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Cross for the Continent."

"What (что)!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back (Шерлок Холмс отпрянул назад), white with chagrin and surprise (бледный: «белый» от досады и неожиданности). "Do you mean that she has left England (вы имеете в виду, что она покинула Англию)?"

staggered [ˈstæɡǝd], chagrin [ˈʃæɡrɪn]

"Never to return (навсегда: «никогда чтобы вернуться»)."

"And the papers (а бумаги)?" asked the King hoarsely (спросил король хрипло). "All is lost (все потеряно)."

"We shall see (посмотрим)." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the drawing-room (он протолкнулся мимо служанки и бросился в гостиную), followed by the King and myself (сопровождаемый королем и мной = мы последовали за ним). The furniture was scattered about in every direction (мебель была сдвинута беспорядочно: «в каждом направлении»), with dismantled shelves and open drawers (с разобранными полками и открытыми ящиками), as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before her flight (как если бы леди наспех рылась в них перед своим бегством; to ransack — искать, обыскивать, обшаривать; flight — полет, побег). Holmes rushed at the bell-pull (Холмс кинулся к шнурку звонка), tore back a small sliding shutter (отодвинул маленькую выдвижную дощечку; to tear back — сдвигать), and, plunging in his hand (и, засунув внутрь /тайника/ руку), pulled out a photograph and a letter (вытащил фотографию и письмо). The photograph was of Irene Adler herself in evening dress (это была фотография самой Ирэн Адлер в вечернем платье), the letter was superscribed to "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." (письмо было подписано: «Мистеру Шерлоку Холмсу. Отдать /ему/, когда он придет.»; Esq. = esquire — господин; to call for — запрашивать, требовать). My friend tore it open and we all three read it together (мой друг разорвал это /конверт/, и мы все трое прочитали письмо /вместе). It was dated at midnight of the preceding night (оно было датировано полуночью прошедшей ночи) and ran in this way (и бежало по такому пути = в нем было написано):

servant [ˈsǝ:vǝnt], furniture [ˈfǝ:nɪtʃǝ], shelves [ʃelvz], hurriedly [ˈharɪdlɪ]

"What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?"

"Never to return."

"And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost."

"We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way:

MY DEAR (мой дорогой) MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES — You really did it very well (вы действительно проделали это очень хорошо). You took me in completely (вы обманули меня полностью). Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a suspicion (до пожарной тревоги у меня не было подозрений). But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself (но затем, когда я поняла: «нашла», как выдала себя), I began to think (я начала думать = не могла не задуматься). I had been warned against you months ago (я была предупреждена о вас несколько месяцев назад). I had been told that if the King employed an agent (мне сказали, что если король нанял бы агента) it would certainly be you (это непременно были бы вы). And your address had been given me (и ваш адрес был дан мне). Yet, with all this (тем не менее, несмотря на все это: «с этим всем»), you made me reveal what you wanted to know (вы заставили меня открыть /то/, что вы хотели знать). Even after I became suspicious (даже после того, как я стала подозрительной), I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind old clergyman (я нашла это трудным = не хотела думать плохо о таком милом, добром старом священнике). But, you know, I have been trained as an actress myself (но, /как/ вы знаете, я была выучена = училась на актрису сама). Male costume is nothing new to me (мужской костюм — ничего нового = не новость для меня). I often take advantage of the freedom which it gives (я часто пользуюсь той свободой: «беру преимущество свободы», которую он дает). I sent John, the coachman, to watch you (я послала Джона, кучера, наблюдать за вами; to watch somebody — следить за кем-нибудь), ran upstairs (побежала наверх), got into my walking-clothes, as I call them (надела мой прогулочный костюм: «гуляющие одежды», как я называю его: «их»), and came down just as you departed (и спустилась вниз, как раз когда вы уходили).

suspicion [sǝsˈpɪʃn], reveal [rɪˈvi:l], departed [di:ˈpɑ:tɪd]

MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES — You really did it very well. You took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to watch you, ran upstairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call them, and came down just as you departed.

Well, I followed you to your door (ну, я следовала за вами до вашей двери: «к двери»), and so made sure that I was really an object of interest (и, таким образом, убедилась: «сделала /это/ безусловным», что я действительно объект интереса = мной интересуется) to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Holmes (знаменитый Шерлок Холмс). Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night (затем я, довольно опрометчиво/неосторожно, пожелала вам доброй ночи), and started for the Temple to see my husband (и направилась в Темпл увидеть моего мужа = к моему мужу).

celebrated [ˈselɪbreɪtɪd], imprudently [ɪmˈpru:dntlɪ]

We both thought the best resource was flight (мы оба подумали = решили, что лучшим средством /спасения/ является побег), when pursued by so formidable an antagonist (когда = поскольку /мы/ преследуемся таким грозным противником); so you will find the nest empty (так что вы найдете гнездо пустым) when you call tomorrow (когда вы явитесь завтра). As to the photograph (что касается фотографии), your client may rest in peace (ваш клиент может быть спокоен; to rest — покоиться; отдыхать; peace — мир, спокойствие). I love and am loved by a better man than he (я люблю и любима мужчиной, который лучше, чем он). The King may do what he will (король может делать все, что захочет: «что он будет») without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly wronged (без препятствий = не опасаясь помех от той, которой он сделал столько зла: «которую он так жестоко обидел»). I keep it only to safeguard myself (я оставляю ее /себе/ только для того, чтобы защитить себя; safe — безопасный), and to preserve a weapon which will always secure me (и /чтобы/ сохранить оружие, которое всегда защитит меня) from any steps which he might take in the future (от любых /враждебных/ шагов, которые он может предпринять в будущем). I leave a photograph which he might care to possess (я оставляю другую фотографию, которую ему, возможно, будет приятно оставить: «он может захотеть владеть»); and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes (и я остаюсь, дорогой мистер Шерлок Холмс), very truly yours (преданная вам: «очень истинно ваша»; truly yours — с уважением),

IRENE NORTON, née ADLER (урожденная Адлер).

resource [rɪˈzɔ:s], empty [ˈemptɪ], peace [pi:s], hindrance [ˈhɪndrǝns], possess [pǝˈzes]

Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and started for the Temple to see my husband.

We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when you call tomorrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, very truly yours,

IRENE NORTON, née ADLER.

"What a woman — oh, what a woman (что за женщина — о, что за женщина)!" cried the King of Bohemia, when we had all three read this epistle (когда мы все трое прочитали это послание). "Did I not tell you how quick and resolute she was (разве я не говорил вам, как она находчива и решительна)? Would she not have made an admirable queen (разве она не была бы: «не сделала бы» восхитительной королевой)? Is it not a pity that she was not on my level (разве не жаль, что она не одного ранга со мной: «не на моем уровне»)?"

epistle [ɪˈpɪsl], resolute [ˈrezǝlu:t], level [levl]

"From what I have seen of the lady (из того, что я увидел о леди = насколько я узнал эту леди) she seems indeed to be on a very different level to your Majesty (она, кажется, действительно находится на очень отличном уровне от вашего величества = совсем другого уровня)," said Holmes coldly (сказал Холмс холодно). "I am sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business to a more successful conclusion (я сожалею, что не сумел довести: «привести» дело вашего величества до более удачного завершения)."

coldly [ˈkǝuldlɪ], successful [sǝkˈsesfǝl], conclusion [kǝnˈklu:ʒn]

"What a woman — oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?"

"From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business to a more successful conclusion."

"On the contrary, my dear sir (напротив, мой дорогой сэр)," cried the King; "nothing could be more successful (ничто не могло быть более удачным). I know that her word is inviolate (я знаю, что ее слово нерушимо; to violate — нарушать). The photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire (фотография теперь так же безопасна, как если бы она сгорела: «была в огне»)."

"I am glad to hear your Majesty say so (я рад слышать /что/ ваше величество говорит так)."

"I am immensely indebted to you (я чрезвычайно обязан вам; debt — долг). Pray tell me in what way I can reward you (пожалуйста, скажите мне, как: «каким путем» я могу вознаградить вас). This ring — (это кольцо)" He slipped an emerald snake ring from his finger (он снял изумрудное кольцо в виде змеи со своего пальца; snake — змея) and held it out upon the palm of his hand (и протянул его на раскрытой ладони).

immensely [ɪˈmenslɪ], indebted [ɪnˈdetɪd], reward [rɪˈwɔ:d], emerald [ˈemǝrǝld]

"On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire."

"I am glad to hear your Majesty say so."

"I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can reward you. This ring —" He slipped an emerald snake ring from his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand.

"Your Majesty has something which I should value even more highly (у вашего величества есть кое-что, еще более ценное для меня: «что мне следует ценить еще более высоко»)," said Holmes.

"You have but to name it (вам нужно только назвать это)."

"This photograph!"

The King stared at him in amazement (король уставился на него в изумлении).

"Irene's photograph (фотография Ирэн)!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it (конечно, если вы желаете ее = если она вам нужна)."

"Your Majesty has something which I should value even more highly," said Holmes.

"You have but to name it."

"This photograph!"

The King stared at him in amazement.

"Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it."

"I thank your Majesty (я благодарю ваше величество). Then there is no more to be done in the matter (таким образом, с этим делом покончено: «более нет ничего, что должно быть сделано в этом деле»). I have the honor to wish you a very good-morning (я имею честь пожелать вам очень доброго утра = всего наилучшего)." He bowed (он поклонился), and, turning away without observing the hand (и, отворачиваясь без замечания руки = не замечая руки) which the King had stretched out to him (которую король протянул ему), he set off in my company for his chambers (он отбыл в моей компании в свою квартиру = вместе со мной отправился домой).

honor [ˈɔnǝ], bowed [baud], chambers [ˈtʃeɪmbǝz]

And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of Bohemia (и это было, как = вот рассказ о том, как огромный скандал угрожал затронуть королевство Богемии), and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman's wit (и как лучшие планы = хитроумные планы мистера Шерлока Холмса были разрушены: «побиты» мудростью женщины). He used to make merry over the cleverness of women (он всегда подшучивал над умом женщин; used to — привыкший к; to make merry — веселиться), but I have not heard him do it of late (но я не слышал, чтобы он делал это в последнее время). And when he speaks of Irene Adler (и когда он говорит об Ирэн Адлер), or when he refers to her photograph (или когда он вспоминает ее фотографию; to refer to — ссылаться на), it is always under the honorable title of the woman (это всегда под почетным титулом = он всегда произносит, как почетный титул: «Эта Женщина»).

threatened [Ɵretnd], merry [ˈmerɪ], cleverness [ˈklewǝnɪs]

"I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the matter. I have the honor to wish you a very good-morning." He bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his chambers.

And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her photograph, it is always under the honorable title of the woman.