"Английский язык с Шерлоком Холмсом. Сборник первый" - читать интересную книгу автора (A A A, I I I, C C C, Еремин Андрей, Франк Илья...)

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."