Scene 23 · Notes

Notes　Scene 23: Four Pounds a Week

Next scene: 24 Never Leave the Room ›Read this scene again (from the start)

Notes on this scene

Because pawnbroking business is mainly done in the evening, Wilson can accept a morning post without harming his shop. Spaulding can cover his absence, and the new position pays four pounds each week. When Ross describes the duties as nominal, Wilson asks him to explain exactly what is required.

Japanese in this scene

てくれる
Verb + てくれる says that someone performs an action for the speaker or the speaker’s group. It presents the act as a welcome favor.
という
という connects quoted words, a name, or an idea to the noun that follows. Depending on context, it can mean “called,” “that,” or “the idea that.”
というのは
というのは introduces a topic for definition or explanation: “as for what is called…” or “the reason is….”
は
は marks the topic of a sentence and can also set up a contrast with another item.

Background

Pawnbroker
Pawnbrokers lent money against deposited goods and were important to working-class life before payday. Three golden balls hanging outside traditionally identified a pawnbroker’s shop.
Four pounds a week
A Victorian clerk might earn one or two pounds a week, and even a skilled worker often earned around two. Four pounds for four hours of nominal work each day is therefore an exceptionally generous wage.

Full text: original English and Japanese translation

"Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and that he would see to anything that turned up.

「ところで、質屋の商売というのはたいてい夕方のものでしてね、ホームズさん、とりわけ給料日の直前にあたる木曜と金曜の晩が忙しいものですから、午前中に少し稼げるのは私にはまことに好都合だったんです。それに、助手はよくできた男ですから、何が起きてもうまく片づけてくれるとわかっていましたしね。

"'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?'

「『それなら私にはとても好都合です』と私は言いました。『で、お給金のほうは？』

"'Is £ 4 a week.'

「『週に四ポンドです』

"'And the work?'

「『仕事のほうは？』

"'Is purely nominal.'

「『ほんの名ばかりのものです』

"'What do you call purely nominal?'

「『名ばかりとは、どういうことです？』

Japanese words in this scene (with English meanings; ☆ saves a word)

  • ところで — by the way; turning to another matter; even if (after a past verb, often implying that the action would be futile)
  • 商売（しょうばい） — trade; business; commerce; occupation
  • という — Introduces a name, quotation, or description of a noun.
  • たいてい — mostly; ordinarily; usually; generally
  • 夕方（ゆうがた） — evening; late afternoon
  • とりわけ — especially; particularly
  • にあたる — to correspond to; to fall on
  • 稼げる（かせげる） — to work; to earn income

Next scene: Never Leave the Room

The nominal requirement is strict: throughout working hours Wilson must remain in the office, or at least inside the building. Leaving even once will permanently forfeit the position, because the will is absolute on this point. Wilson sees no reason to go out during four short hours, but Ross warns that illness and business are no excuse.

Next scene EnterRead this scene again