Страница:
(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 [I'nVf], aloud [@'laud]
"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 ['kwO:t@], royal ['rOI@l], exaggerated [Ig'z&dZ@reItId]
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 [I'm&dZIn]
"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 ['TI@raIz], insensibly [In'sensIblI], instead [In'sted]
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 [prI'zju:m@blI], endeavoring [In'dev@rIN], peculiarly [pI'kju:lI@lI]
"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 ['kVst@m@rI], death [deT], sparkled [spA: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 [prI'saIslI], uncourteous [un'kV":tI@s], 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 [kV":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 ['bru:@m], beauty ['bju:tI], guineas ['gInIz]
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 ['hevI], authoritative [O:'TA.rIt@tIv]
"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 ['Opjul@ns], appearance [@'pI@r@ns], obstinacy ['ObstIn@sI]
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 [hA:S], uncertain [Vn's@: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 [kO:t], wrist [rIst], shoulders ['S@uld@z], secrecy ['si:krIsI], influence ['Influ@ns]
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 [Ik'skju:s], agent [eIdZnt], title [taItl]
"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 ['s@:k@mst&ns], delicacy ['delIk@sI], reigning ['reInIN]
"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 [@'wE@], murmured ['mV":m@d]
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 [@'p&r@nt], languid ['l&NgwId], lounging ['laundZIN], 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 [kOndI'send], able [eIbl]
"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 [&dZI'teISn], gesture ['dZestS@], conceal [k@n'si: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 ['m&dZIstI], hereditary [hI'redIt@rI]
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 ['fA.rId], confide [k@n'faId], Prague [prA:g]
"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 ['bri:flI], acquaintance [@'kweInt@ns], adventuress [@d'ventS@rIs]
"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 [k@n's@:nIN], furnish ['f@:nIS], biography [baI'Ogr@fI]
"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 [steIdZ], quite [kwaIt], desirous [dI'zaIr@s]
"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 ['m&rIdZ]
"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 ['bl&kmeIl], purpose ['p@:p@s], authenticity [O:ten'tIsItI], prove [pru:v], forgery ['fO:dZrI]
"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."
since [sins], enough [I'nVf], aloud [@'laud]
"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 ['kwO:t@], royal ['rOI@l], exaggerated [Ig'z&dZ@reItId]
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 [I'm&dZIn]
"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 ['TI@raIz], insensibly [In'sensIblI], instead [In'sted]
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 [prI'zju:m@blI], endeavoring [In'dev@rIN], peculiarly [pI'kju:lI@lI]
"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 ['kVst@m@rI], death [deT], sparkled [spA: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 [prI'saIslI], uncourteous [un'kV":tI@s], 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 [kV":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 ['bru:@m], beauty ['bju:tI], guineas ['gInIz]
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 ['hevI], authoritative [O:'TA.rIt@tIv]
"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 ['Opjul@ns], appearance [@'pI@r@ns], obstinacy ['ObstIn@sI]
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 [hA:S], uncertain [Vn's@: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 [kO:t], wrist [rIst], shoulders ['S@uld@z], secrecy ['si:krIsI], influence ['Influ@ns]
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 [Ik'skju:s], agent [eIdZnt], title [taItl]
"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 ['s@:k@mst&ns], delicacy ['delIk@sI], reigning ['reInIN]
"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 [@'wE@], murmured ['mV":m@d]
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 [@'p&r@nt], languid ['l&NgwId], lounging ['laundZIN], 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 [kOndI'send], able [eIbl]
"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 [&dZI'teISn], gesture ['dZestS@], conceal [k@n'si: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 ['m&dZIstI], hereditary [hI'redIt@rI]
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 ['fA.rId], confide [k@n'faId], Prague [prA:g]
"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 ['bri:flI], acquaintance [@'kweInt@ns], adventuress [@d'ventS@rIs]
"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 [k@n's@:nIN], furnish ['f@:nIS], biography [baI'Ogr@fI]
"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 [steIdZ], quite [kwaIt], desirous [dI'zaIr@s]
"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 ['m&rIdZ]
"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 ['bl&kmeIl], purpose ['p@:p@s], authenticity [O:ten'tIsItI], prove [pru:v], forgery ['fO:dZrI]
"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."