よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 54: Eight in the Morning
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Notes on this scene
Holmes believes the search is virtually complete. He plans to return with the King at eight the next morning, taking the photograph before Adler is up and ready to receive them. Her marriage may soon change her habits, so he wants no delay and intends to telegraph the King immediately.
Japanese in this scene
- も同然だ
- Past verb + も同然だ means “as good as already done.” Holmes considers the investigation practically finished.
- 通されて
- 通す means showing someone into a room. Its passive 通される makes Holmes and his companions the people admitted.
- 打たなくては
- Negative なくては can leave ならない unstated. It still conveys obligation: Holmes must send the telegram.
Background
- Calling hours
- In Victorian upper- and middle-class society, social calls were normally made in the afternoon. Visiting at eight in the morning was outside ordinary etiquette and intended to take the other person by surprise.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"And now?" I asked.
「それで、これからは？」と私は尋ねた。
"Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain it with his own hands."
「探索はもう終わったも同然だ。明日、国王と一緒に訪ねるつもりだ。きみも、来る気があれば一緒にね。私たちは居間に通されて彼女を待つことになるだろうが、彼女が来たときには、私たちも写真もそこにはないだろうね。陛下も、ご自分の手で取り戻せれば満足なさるだろう」
"And when will you call?"
「訪ねるのはいつだい」
"At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the King without delay."
「朝の八時だ。彼女はまだ起きていないだろうから、邪魔は入らない。それに、急がなくてはならない。この結婚で、彼女の暮らしや習慣ががらりと変わるかもしれないからね。すぐに国王へ電報を打たなくては」