よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 26: Holmes the Meddler
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Notes on this scene
Realizing that Holmes is deliberately evading him, Dr. Roylott openly displays his anger. He steps forward with a hunting crop raised and begins insulting Holmes as a meddler and a scoundrel. Holmes remains seated and entirely composed, watching the furious visitor with an expression of quiet amusement. The scene begins from this carefully established point.
Japanese in this scene
- 心から
- 心から shows that Holmes's amusement is genuine and wholehearted. Roylott's threat makes him laugh rather than frightening him.
- かなりの隙間風ですから
- かなり intensifies the degree: Roylott says there is quite a strong draught and orders the door shut.
- 閉めてください
- 閉めてください is a polite imperative. Holmes coolly asks Roylott to close the door when leaving, turning the threatening visit into ordinary courtesy.
- 振りかざした
- 振りかざした describes Roylott raising the hunting crop threateningly over or before him as he steps forward to intimidate Holmes.
Background
- Scotland Yard
- Scotland Yard is the common name for London's police headquarters. Holmes is an independent consulting detective, so Roylott's accusation misrepresents his role.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler."
「ふん！はぐらかす気か」と新たな客は、一歩踏み出して狩猟用の鞭を振りかざした。「貴様のことは知っているぞ、この悪党め！前から噂は聞いている。貴様はホームズ、おせっかい野郎だ」
My friend smiled.
友は微笑んだ。
"Holmes, the busybody!"
「ホームズ、出しゃばり屋め！」
His smile broadened.
彼の笑みが広がった。
"Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!"
「ホームズ、スコットランド・ヤードの役人風を吹かす小者め！」
Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for there is a decided draught."
ホームズは心から愉快そうに笑った。「あなたの話は実に面白いですね」と彼は言った。「出ていくときは戸を閉めてください、かなりの隙間風ですから」