よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 33: A Direct Question
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Notes on this scene
Watson assures Mrs. St. Clair that no apology is needed in such circumstances. She asks Holmes to answer without softening the truth for her sake. Holmes agrees to be frank, and the tense conversation turns to whether Neville is alive.
Japanese in this scene
- 生きていると思っていらっしゃいますか
- いらっしゃる is the honorific form used for Holmes's thinking, reflecting Mrs. St. Clair's formal but direct question.
- 私の気持ちは気になさらないでください
- なさる is honorific, and 〜ないでください is a polite negative request: she asks Holmes not to spare her feelings.
- ホームズを鋭く見下ろしていた
- 鋭く modifies her continuing gaze, conveying how intently she watches Holmes while demanding a candid answer.
- 率直に一つ二つお尋ねしたいことがあります
- お尋ねしたい is a polite desire to ask. 一つ二つ softens the number to 'one or two matters.'
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain answer."
「さて、シャーロック・ホームズさん」と、冷たい料理が卓に並ぶ明るい食堂へ入りながら夫人は言った。「率直に一つ二つお尋ねしたいことがあります。どうか率直にお答えください」
"Certainly, madam."
「もちろんです、奥様」
"Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion."
「私の気持ちは気になさらないでください。私は取り乱すたちでも、気を失いやすいわけでもありません。ただ、本当の、本当のご意見を伺いたいのです」
"Upon what point?"
「どの点についてでしょう」
"In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?"
「胸の奥では、ネヴィルが生きていると思っていらっしゃいますか」
Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair.
シャーロック・ホームズはその問いに困った様子だった。「どうか率直に」と夫人は繰り返した。敷物の上に立ち、籐椅子にもたれるホームズを鋭く見下ろしていた。
"Frankly, then, madam, I do not."
「では率直に言いますが、奥様、そうは思いません」
"You think that he is dead?"
「死んだとお考えですか」
"I do."
「そうです」