よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 51: A Conversation at the Inn
You've finished this scene
Notes on this scene
Turner asks why Holmes wanted a private meeting away from his house. Holmes answers the unspoken question in his look by saying he knows all about McCarthy. Turner is distressed but insists he would not have let James suffer: if the trial went against the young man, he would have come forward himself.
Japanese in this scene
- 会いたいと書いてありました
- 〜てある describes a resulting state brought about by a deliberate action. Here the wish to meet was written in the letter and remained there for Turner to read.
- 言葉というよりそのまなざしに
- というより revises a description: Holmes answers the visitor's gaze more than his spoken words. に marks what his reply responds to, even though the question is unspoken.
- 打ち明けたはずだ
- はず normally marks an expected conclusion. In this hypothetical context, Turner claims he certainly would have disclosed the truth if James had faced an unfavorable outcome at trial.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to see me here to avoid scandal."
「ええ、門番が届けてくれました。醜聞を避けるため、ここで私に会いたいと書いてありましたね」
"I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall."
「私が屋敷へ行けば、人が何か言うでしょうから」
"And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question was already answered.
「それで、なぜ私にお会いになりたいのですか」彼は、疲れた目に絶望を浮かべ、もう答えが出ているかのように、私の友人を見た。
"Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It is so. I know all about McCarthy."
「ええ」とホームズは、言葉というよりそのまなざしに答えて言った。「そのとおりです。マッカーシーのことは、すべて分かっています」
The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at the Assizes."
老人は両手に顔を埋めた。「神よ、お助けください」と彼は叫んだ。「でも、あの若者がひどい目に遭うのを、そのままにしておくつもりはありませんでした。巡回裁判であの子に不利なことになれば、私から打ち明けたはずだと、お約束します」
"I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely.
「そう伺って、うれしく思います」とホームズは重々しく言った。