よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 61: The Letter Ends
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Notes on this scene
Adler followed Holmes to confirm his identity, greeted him in disguise, and consulted Norton. The couple decided to leave. She assures the King that she loves a better man and will not interfere with his plans. She keeps the photograph only for self-protection and leaves a portrait for him to retain.
Japanese in this scene
- 関心の的
- 的 means a target. 関心の的 is the focus of someone’s attention or interest.
- にすぎません
- にすぎない limits a claim: “is merely” or “is only for.” Adler says retaining the photograph serves only her protection.
- 旧姓
- 旧姓, read きゅうせい, means a former surname, often the name used before marriage. Her signature now identifies her as Norton.
Background
- The Temple
- A London legal district containing the Inner and Middle Temple Inns of Court, the Temple housed Norton’s legal chambers. Adler went there to meet her husband.
- Closing a letter
- “I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Very truly yours” is a formal conventional closing, comparable to Japanese 敬具 or かしこ. The hyphenated spelling to-morrow in the original also reflects the period.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and started for the Temple to see my husband.
「そうして、あなたのあとをつけてお宅の戸口まで行き、私が本当にあの名高いシャーロック・ホームズさんの関心の的になっているのだと確かめました。それから、少々軽はずみにも、あなたにおやすみなさいと声をかけ、夫に会いにテンプルへ向かったのです。
"We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes,
「これほど手ごわい相手に追われては、逃げるのがいちばんだと私たちは二人とも考えました。ですから、明日あなたがいらしても、巣はもぬけの殻になっているはずです。写真のことでしたら、あなたの依頼人はどうぞご安心ください。私はあの方よりも立派な男性を愛し、その人に愛されています。国王は、ご自分がひどい仕打ちをした相手に邪魔されることなく、お好きなようになさればよいのです。写真を手元に置くのは、ただ自分の身を守るため、そして、この先あの方がどんな手を打ってきても私を守ってくれる武器をとっておくためにすぎません。あの方が持っていたいと思われるかもしれない写真を一枚残していきます。それでは、シャーロック・ホームズ様、
"Very truly yours,
「かしこ
"IRENE NORTON, née ADLER."
「アイリーン・ノートン（旧姓アドラー）」