Maximum-assistance view: every word above everyday vocabulary is explained at every appearance; each name is introduced at its first appearance in the chapter.

I. A SCANDAL (shameful public talk) IN BOHEMIA

I.

To Sherlock Holmes (the great detective of Baker Street) she is always the woman. I have seldom (rarely) heard him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses (the sun or moon going dark) and predominates (to hold the upper hand) the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt any emotion (strong feeling) akin (of the same kind) to love for Irene Adler (the adventuress who outwits Holmes). All emotions (strong feeling), and that one particularly, were abhorrent (hateful; disgusting) to his cold, precise (exactly fixed) but admirably (in a way to be admired) balanced (in steady even state) mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect reasoning (the chain of thought) and observing (to watch; to remark) machine that the world has seen, but as a lover (one who loves) he would have placed himself in a false position. He never spoke of the softer passions (burning feeling), save with a gibe (a mocking remark) and a sneer (a curl of the lip in scorn). They were admirable (worthy of admiration) things for the observer (one who watches)—excellent for drawing the veil (a thin covering cloth) from men’s motives (a repeated theme) and actions. But for the trained reasoner (one who works by reasoning) to admit such intrusions (a pushing in unwanted) into his own delicate (finely tender) and finely (with fine delicacy) adjusted (to set right) temperament (one's natural temper) was to introduce (to make known; bring in) a distracting (drawing the mind away) factor which might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit (hard small particles; firmness) in a sensitive (quick to feel) instrument (a tool; a music maker), or a crack (a sharp break or noise) in one of his own high-power (high-power: strongly magnifying) lenses (a curved glass for magnifying), would not be more disturbing (troubling) than a strong emotion (strong feeling) in a nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious (doubtful) and questionable (open to doubt) memory.

I had seen little of Holmes (Mr Sherlock Holmes, the great detective of Baker Street) lately (not long ago). My marriage had drifted (to be carried along; a snow heap) us away from each other. My own complete happiness (the state of joy), and the home-centred (centred on home) interests (interest: the spectacle that draws a crowd — the old sense here) which rise up around the man who first finds himself master of his own establishment (a set-up institution), were sufficient (enough) to absorb (to soak up; take in wholly) all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed (unwilling; reluctant) every form of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings (a place to stay) in Baker Street (Holmes's London lodgings), buried (to lay in the earth) among his old books, and alternating (to take turns) from week to week between cocaine (the drug Holmes injects) and ambition (hunger for greatness), the drowsiness (the heavy wish to sleep) of the drug, and the fierce (savagely violent) energy of his own keen (sharp and eager) nature. He was still, as ever, deeply (to a great depth) attracted (to draw toward) by the study of crime, and occupied (to hold; to fill) his immense (vastly great) faculties (a power of mind) and extraordinary (beyond the ordinary) powers of observation (careful watching; a remark) in following out those clues (a guide to an answer), and clearing up those mysteries (a hidden truth) which had been abandoned (to leave behind for good) as hopeless (without hope) by the official police. From time to time I heard some vague (unclear; dim) account of his doings: of his summons (to call to come) to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of the singular (strange; one of a kind) tragedy (a terrible event) of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished (to carry through) so delicately (with fine care) and successfully (with success) for the reigning (a ruler's time of rule) family of Holland. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely (only) shared with all the readers (one who reads) of the daily press, I knew little of my former friend and companion (one who keeps company).

One night—it was on the twentieth (the 20th) of March, 1888—I was returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I passed the well-remembered (clearly remembered) door, which must always be associated in my mind with my wooing (courting), and with the dark incidents of the Study in Scarlet (Watson's first published account of Holmes), I was seized (to grab; take hold) with a keen (sharp and eager) desire to see Holmes again, and to know how he was employing (to use; to give work) his extraordinary (beyond the ordinary) powers. His rooms were brilliantly (with dazzling brightness) lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw his tall, spare (to hold back from harming; extra) figure pass twice in a dark silhouette (a dark outline) against the blind. He was pacing (a step's length; speed) the room swiftly (fast), eagerly (with eager keenness), with his head sunk (to go down) upon his chest and his hands clasped (to hold tight in the arms) behind him. To me, who knew his every mood (a state of feeling) and habit (a settled way of acting), his attitude and manner told their own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his drug-created (made by a drug) dreams and was hot upon the scent (a smell; the trail of game) of some new problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber (a room) which had formerly (in earlier times) been in part my own.

His manner was not effusive (gushing with feeling). It seldom (rarely) was; but he was glad, I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly (kind; gently) eye, he waved me to an armchair (a chair with arms), threw across his case of cigars (a roll of tobacco leaves for smoking), and indicated (to point out) a spirit case and a gasogene (a device for making soda-water) in the corner. Then he stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular (strange; one of a kind) introspective (looking into oneself) fashion.

“Wedlock (marriage) suits you,” he remarked (to say; to notice). “I think, Watson (Dr Watson, Holmes's friend and the teller of the tales), that you have put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you.”

“Seven!” I answered.

“Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle (a thing of no importance) more, I fancy (the imagination; a liking), Watson. And in practice again, I observe (to watch; to remark). You did not tell me that you intended to go into harness (a horse's working straps).”

“Then, how do you know?”

“I see it, I deduce (to reason out from facts) it. How do I know that you have been getting yourself very wet lately (not long ago), and that you have a most clumsy (awkward and heavy-handed) and careless (without care) servant (one who serves) girl?”

“My dear Holmes,” said I, “this is too much. You would certainly have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful (filling with dread) mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can’t imagine how you deduce (to reason out from facts) it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible (past all mending), and my wife has given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it out.”

He chuckled (a quiet laugh) to himself and rubbed (to press and slide upon) his long, nervous (easily shaken) hands together.

“It is simplicity (plain simpleness) itself,” said he; “my eyes tell me that on the inside of your left shoe (the foot's covering), just where the firelight (the light of a fire) strikes it, the leather (cured animal hide) is scored by six almost parallel (running side by side) cuts. Obviously they have been caused by someone who has very carelessly (without care) scraped (a small left piece) round the edges of the sole (the only; the foot's bottom) in order to remove crusted (a hard outer layer; a dry piece of bread) mud (wet soft earth) from it. Hence (from here; therefore), you see, my double deduction (reasoning from facts; a subtraction) that you had been out in vile (foul and low) weather, and that you had a particularly malignant (fiercely harmful) boot-slitting (slitting boots) specimen (a sample; example) of the London slavey (a hard-worked maidservant — slang). As to your practice, if a gentleman (a man of good birth and manners) walks into my rooms smelling (to sense through the nose) of iodoform (an antiseptic with a strong smell), with a black mark of nitrate (a chemical salt) of silver upon his right forefinger (the first finger), and a bulge (to swell out) on the right side of his top-hat (a tall silk hat) to show where he has secreted (secreted: hidden) his stethoscope (the doctor's listening instrument), I must be dull (not sharp; not bright), indeed, if I do not pronounce (to speak a word; declare) him to be an active member of the medical profession (one's declared calling).”

I could not help laughing at the ease (comfort; freedom from effort) with which he explained his process of deduction (reasoning from facts; a subtraction). “When I hear you give your reasons,” I remarked (to say; to notice), “the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously (absurdly) simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each successive (following one after another) instance of your reasoning (the chain of thought) I am baffled (defeated; foiled) until you explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good as yours.”

“Quite so,” he answered, lighting a cigarette (a small paper roll of tobacco), and throwing himself down into an armchair (a chair with arms). “You see, but you do not observe (to watch; to remark). The distinction (a difference; an honor) is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room.”

“Frequently.”

“How often?”

“Well, some hundreds of times.”

“Then how many are there?”

“How many? I don’t know.”

“Quite so! You have not observed (to watch; to remark). And yet you have seen. That is just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen (seventeen) steps, because I have both seen and observed (to watch; to remark). By the way, since you are interested in these little problems, and since you are good enough to chronicle (a written record of events) one or two of my trifling (of no importance) experiences, you may be interested in this.” He threw over a sheet (a broad thin layer) of thick (of great depth through; dense), pink-tinted (tinged pink) notepaper (paper for letters) which had been lying open upon the table. “It came by the last post,” said he. “Read it aloud (out loud).”

The note was undated (without a date), and without either signature (one's written name) or address.

“There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight o’clock (the time-keeping machine),” it said, “a gentleman (a man of good birth and manners) who desires to consult (to seek counsel) you upon a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may safely (without harm) be trusted with matters which are of an importance which can hardly be exaggerated (blown up beyond truth). This account of you we have from all quarters received. Be in your chamber (a room) then at that hour, and do not take it amiss (wrong; out of order) if your visitor (one who visits) wear a mask (a face covering).”

“This is indeed a mystery (a hidden truth),” I remarked (to say; to notice). “What do you imagine that it means?”

“I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorise (to form theories) before one has data. Insensibly (little by little, unnoticed) one begins to twist (to wind together) facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. What do you deduce (to reason out from facts) from it?”

I carefully (with care) examined (to inspect closely) the writing, and the paper upon which it was written.

“The man who wrote it was presumably (as one may suppose) well to do,” I remarked (to say; to notice), endeavouring (to try hard) to imitate (to copy) my companion (one who keeps company)’s processes. “Such paper could not be bought under half a crown a packet (a small package). It is peculiarly (especially; strangely) strong and stiff (not bending).”

“Peculiar (peculiar: its own; particular — the old sense here)—that is the very word,” said Holmes. “It is not an English paper at all. Hold it up to the light.”

I did so, and saw a large “E” with a small “g,” a “P,” and a large “G” with a small “t” woven (to move in and out) into the texture (the feel of a weave) of the paper.

“What do you make of that?” asked Holmes.

“The name of the maker (one who makes), no doubt; or his monogram (initials woven into one design), rather.”

“Not at all. The ‘G’ with the small ‘t’ stands for ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German for ‘Company.’ It is a customary (according to custom) contraction (a shortened form) like our ‘Co.’ ‘P,’ of course, stands for ‘Papier.’ Now for the ‘Eg.’ Let us glance (a quick look) at our Continental Gazetteer.” He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves (a flat holding board). “Eglow, Eglonitz—here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking country—in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. ‘Remarkable (worthy of note) as being the scene of the death of Wallenstein (the general of the Thirty Years' War), and for its numerous glass-factories (factories making glass) and paper-mills (mills making paper).’ Ha, ha, my boy, what do you make of that?” His eyes sparkled (to flash with small lights), and he sent up a great blue triumphant (full of the joy of victory) cloud (a sky mass of vapor; to darken with sadness) from his cigarette (a small paper roll of tobacco).

“The paper was made in Bohemia,” I said.

“Precisely (exactly). And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you note the peculiar (peculiar: its own; particular — the old sense here) construction of the sentence—‘This account of you we have from all quarters received.’ A Frenchman or Russian could not have written that. It is the German who is so uncourteous (rude) to his verbs (a doing-word). It only remains, therefore, to discover (to find out) what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and prefers wearing a mask (a face covering) to showing his face. And here he comes, if I am not mistaken (in error), to resolve (to decide firmly) all our doubts.”

As he spoke there was the sharp (keen-edged) sound of horses’ hoofs (a horse's horny foot) and grating (harsh and scraping) wheels against the curb (curbed: held in), followed by a sharp (keen-edged) pull at the bell. Holmes whistled (a shrill air note).

“A pair, by the sound,” said he. “Yes,” he continued, glancing (a quick look) out of the window. “A nice little brougham (a closed one-horse carriage) and a pair of beauties. A hundred and fifty (fifty) guineas (old gold coins worth twenty-one shillings) apiece (one each). There’s money in this case, Watson, if there is nothing else.”

“I think that I had better go, Holmes.”

“Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Boswell (Johnson's biographer; Watson's role to Holmes). And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity (sorrow for another's pain) to miss it.”

“But your client—”

“Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he comes. Sit down in that armchair (a chair with arms), Doctor, and give us your best attention.”

A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs (a step of a flight) and in the passage (passage: a sea-journey — the old sense here), paused (a brief stop) immediately outside the door. Then there was a loud and authoritative (carrying authority) tap (a light knock).

“Come in!” said Holmes.

A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six inches (a small measure of length) in height, with the chest and limbs (an arm or leg; a branch) of a Hercules. His dress was rich with a richness (rich fullness) which would, in England, be looked upon as akin (of the same kind) to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan (curly black lambskin) were slashed (to cut with sweeping strokes) across the sleeves (the arm of a garment) and fronts of his double-breasted (with overlapping fronts) coat (an outer garment), while the deep blue cloak (a loose outer wrap) which was thrown over his shoulders was lined with flame-coloured (bright red-orange) silk (the fine soft thread of the East) and secured at the neck with a brooch (an ornament pinned to clothes) which consisted (to be made of) of a single flaming (the fire's tongue) beryl (a pale green or blue gem). Boots (a high shoe) which extended (to stretch out) halfway (at the middle point) up his calves (a cow's young; the back of the lower leg), and which were trimmed (neat; to make neat) at the tops with rich brown fur (an animal's soft coat), completed the impression (a mark on the mind) of barbaric (savage; wild) opulence (rich plenty) which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a broad-brimmed (with a wide brim) hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper part of his face, extending (to stretch out) down past the cheekbones (the bone of the cheek), a black vizard (a mask) mask (a face covering), which he had apparently adjusted (to set right) that very moment, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, with a thick (of great depth through; dense), hanging lip (the mouth's edge), and a long, straight chin (the jaw's point) suggestive (hinting at) of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy (stubbornness).

“You had my note?” he asked with a deep harsh (rough and severe) voice and a strongly (with strength) marked German accent (the tone of one's speech). “I told you that I would call.” He looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain (not sure) which to address.

“Pray (please; to beg) take a seat,” said Holmes. “This is my friend and colleague (a fellow in office), Dr. Watson, who is occasionally (now and then) good enough to help me in my cases. Whom have I the honour (honor) to address?”

“You may address me as the Count Von Kramm (Count Von Kramm, the King of Bohemia's disguise), a Bohemian nobleman (a man of noble rank). I understand that this gentleman (a man of good birth and manners), your friend, is a man of honour (honor) and discretion (careful judgment), whom I may trust with a matter of the most extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate (to make known to) with you alone.”

I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist (the hand's joint) and pushed me back into my chair. “It is both, or none,” said he. “You may say before this gentleman (a man of good birth and manners) anything which you may say to me.”

The Count shrugged (to lift the shoulders) his broad shoulders. “Then I must begin,” said he, “by binding (to tie fast) you both to absolute secrecy (keeping things hidden) for two years; at the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it may have an influence upon European history.”

“I promise,” said Holmes.

“And I.”

“You will excuse this mask (a face covering),” continued our strange visitor (one who visits). “The august person who employs (to use; to give work) me wishes his agent to be unknown to you, and I may confess (to own up; to make confession) at once that the title by which I have just called myself is not exactly my own.”

“I was aware of it,” said Holmes dryly (coldly and shortly).

“The circumstances are of great delicacy (a choice fine food; fine sensitivity), and every precaution (a step taken beforehand against danger) has to be taken to quench (to put out; satisfy thirst) what might grow to be an immense (vastly great) scandal (shameful public talk) and seriously compromise (a middle agreement) one of the reigning (a ruler's time of rule) families of Europe. To speak plainly (clearly; simply), the matter implicates (implicated: mixed up in) the great House of Ormstein (the royal house of Bohemia), hereditary (passed down in the family) kings of Bohemia.”

“I was also aware of that,” murmured (to speak in a low soft flow) Holmes, settling (to fix in place; to bring to rest) himself down in his armchair (a chair with arms) and closing his eyes.

Our visitor (one who visits) glanced (a quick look) with some apparent (plain to see) surprise at the languid (without energy; limp), lounging (to lie at ease) figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted (to picture) to him as the most incisive (sharp and cutting) reasoner (one who works by reasoning) and most energetic (full of energy) agent in Europe. Holmes slowly reopened (to open again) his eyes and looked impatiently (with restless eagerness) at his gigantic (huge as a giant) client.

“If your Majesty would condescend (to stoop graciously to lesser people) to state (state: ceremony; pomp — the old sense here) your case,” he remarked (to say; to notice), “I should be better able to advise (to counsel) you.”

The man sprang from his chair and paced (a step's length; speed) up and down the room in uncontrollable (beyond control) agitation (troubled excitement). Then, with a gesture (a meaning movement) of desperation (reckless hopelessness), he tore (a drop of weeping; to rip) the mask (a face covering) from his face and hurled (to fling with force) it upon the ground. “You are right,” he cried; “I am the King. Why should I attempt to conceal (to hide) it?”

“Why, indeed?” murmured (to speak in a low soft flow) Holmes. “Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary (passed down in the family) King of Bohemia.”

“But you can understand,” said our strange visitor (one who visits), sitting down once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead (the brow), “you can understand that I am not accustomed (used to) to doing such business in my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate (finely tender) that I could not confide (to trust with a secret) it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I have come incognito (under a hidden name) from Prague for the purpose of consulting (to seek counsel) you.”

“Then, pray (please; to beg) consult (to seek counsel),” said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more.

“The facts are briefly (in few words) these: Some five years ago, during a lengthy (long drawn out) visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance (a person one knows slightly) of the well-known adventuress (a woman who lives by her wits and charms), Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you.”

“Kindly (kind; gently) look her up in my index, Doctor,” murmured (to speak in a low soft flow) Holmes without opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of docketing (docketing: labelling and filing) all paragraphs (a block of written lines) concerning men and things, so that it was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not at once furnish (fitted out with furniture) information. In this case I found her biography (the story of a life) sandwiched (bread with a filling) in between that of a Hebrew rabbi (a Jewish teacher) and that of a staff-commander (a naval officer's rank) who had written a monograph (a scholarly paper on one subject) upon the deep-sea (of the deep sea) fishes.

“Let me see!” said Holmes. “Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year 1858. Contralto (a low female singing voice)—hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna (the chief woman singer of an opera — Italian) Imperial Opera of Warsaw—yes! Retired (to withdraw) from operatic (of the opera) stage—ha! Living in London—quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled (caught in a tangle) with this young person, wrote her some compromising (a middle agreement) letters, and is now desirous (wishing) of getting those letters back.”

“Precisely (exactly) so. But how—”

“Was there a secret marriage?”

“None.”

“No legal papers or certificates (a written proof)?”

“None.”

“Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should produce her letters for blackmailing (forcing money by threats of exposure) or other purposes, how is she to prove their authenticity (genuineness)?”

“There is the writing.”

“Pooh, pooh! Forgery (a false copy made to deceive).”

“My private note-paper (paper for letters).”

“Stolen (to take by theft).”

“My own seal (a stamped closing mark; to close fast).”

“Imitated.”

“My photograph (to take a picture of).”

“Bought.”

“We were both in the photograph (to take a picture of).”

“Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an indiscretion (an unwise loose step).”

“I was mad—insane (mad).”

“You have compromised (a middle agreement) yourself seriously.”

“I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty (thirty) now.”

“It must be recovered (to get back; to grow well).”

“We have tried and failed.”

“Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought.”

“She will not sell.”

“Stolen (to take by theft), then.”

“Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars (one who breaks in to steal) in my pay ransacked (to search through and plunder) her house. Once we diverted (to turn aside; amuse) her luggage (traveling bags) when she travelled. Twice she has been waylaid (waylaid: lay in wait for). There has been no result.”

“No sign of it?”

“Absolutely none.”

Holmes laughed. “It is quite a pretty little problem,” said he.

“But a very serious one to me,” returned the King reproachfully (with blame in the voice).

“Very, indeed. And what does she propose (to offer; to offer marriage) to do with the photograph (to take a picture of)?”

“To ruin (destruction; broken remains) me.”

“But how?”

“I am about to be married (to take in marriage).”

“So I have heard.”

“To Clotilde (Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, the King of Bohemia's intended bride) Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict (exactly severe) principles (a ruling truth) of her family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy (a choice fine food; fine sensitivity). A shadow (the dark cast shape) of a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end.”

“And Irene Adler?”

“Threatens to send them the photograph (to take a picture of). And she will do it. I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the mind of the most resolute (firmly determined) of men. Rather than I should marry (to take in marriage) another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not go—none.”

“You are sure that she has not sent it yet?”

“I am sure.”

“And why?”

“Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the betrothal (engagement to marry) was publicly (openly, before all) proclaimed (to announce publicly). That will be next Monday.”

“Oh, then we have three days yet,” said Holmes with a yawn (to open the mouth wide with tiredness). “That is very fortunate (favored by fortune), as I have one or two matters of importance to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in London for the present?”

“Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Count Von Kramm.”

“Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress.”

“Pray (please; to beg) do so. I shall be all anxiety (worry).”

“Then, as to money?”

“You have carte blanche (a free hand — French).”

“Absolutely?”

“I tell you that I would give one of the provinces (a governed region) of my kingdom to have that photograph (to take a picture of).”

“And for present expenses (cost)?”

The King took a heavy chamois (a nimble mountain antelope) leather (cured animal hide) bag from under his cloak (a loose outer wrap) and laid it on the table.

“There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in notes,” he said.

Holmes scribbled (to write fast and carelessly) a receipt (receiving; a written acknowledgment) upon a sheet (a broad thin layer) of his note-book (a book for notes) and handed it to him.

“And Mademoiselle’s address?” he asked.

“Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue (a broad tree-lined road), St. John’s Wood.”

Holmes took a note of it. “One other question,” said he. “Was the photograph (to take a picture of) a cabinet (a private room; a case)?”

“It was.”

“Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson,” he added, as the wheels of the royal brougham (a closed one-horse carriage) rolled down the street. “If you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three o’clock (the time-keeping machine) I should like to chat this little matter over with you.”

II.

At three o’clock (the time-keeping machine) precisely (exactly) I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had not yet returned. The landlady (the woman who lets lodgings) informed (to give knowledge to) me that he had left the house shortly (soon) after eight o’clock (the time-keeping machine) in the morning. I sat down beside (at the side of) the fire, however, with the intention (what one means to do) of awaiting (to wait for) him, however long he might be. I was already deeply (to a great depth) interested in his inquiry (an asking; an investigation), for, though it was surrounded (to close in on every side) by none of the grim (hard and stern) and strange features which were associated with the two crimes which I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the exalted (raised high in rank) station of his client gave it a character of its own. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly (with a master's skill) grasp (to seize; to understand) of a situation, and his keen (sharp and eager), incisive (sharp and cutting) reasoning (the chain of thought), which made it a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the quick, subtle (fine and delicate) methods by which he disentangled (to free from a tangle) the most inextricable (impossible to escape or unwind) mysteries (a hidden truth). So accustomed (used to) was I to his invariable (never varying) success that the very possibility of his failing (not succeeding) had ceased (to stop) to enter into my head.

It was close upon four before the door opened, and a drunken-looking (looking drunk) groom (a servant who tends horses), ill-kempt (untidy) and side-whiskered (wearing side-whiskers), with an inflamed (to set on fire; stir to heat) face and disreputable (of bad reputation) clothes, walked into the room. Accustomed (used to) as I was to my friend’s amazing powers in the use (use: habit; custom — the old sense here) of disguises (a hiding change of appearance), I had to look three times before I was certain that it was indeed he. With a nod (to bow the head slightly) he vanished (to disappear) into the bedroom (a sleeping room), whence (from which place) he emerged (to come out) in five minutes tweed-suited (dressed in tweed) and respectable (worthy of respect), as of old. Putting his hands into his pockets (the sewn-in pouch), he stretched (to draw out) out his legs in front of the fire and laughed heartily (with all one's heart) for some minutes.

“Well, really!” he cried, and then he choked (to stop the breath) and laughed again until he was obliged (to compel; bind by duty) to lie back, limp (to walk lamely; soft and slack) and helpless (unable to help oneself), in the chair.

“What is it?”

“It’s quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I employed (to use; to give work) my morning, or what I ended by doing.”

“I can’t imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the habits (a settled way of acting), and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler.”

“Quite so; but the sequel (what follows after) was rather unusual (out of the common). I will tell you, however. I left the house a little after eight o’clock (the time-keeping machine) this morning in the character of a groom (a servant who tends horses) out of work. There is a wonderful sympathy (fellow-feeling) and freemasonry (the fellow-feeling of a brotherhood) among horsey (fond of horses) men. Be one of them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa (a country mansion), with a garden at the back, but built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb (Chubb lock: a well-known make of lock) lock to the door. Large sitting-room (the family sitting room) on the right side, well furnished (fitted out with furniture), with long windows almost to the floor, and those preposterous (absurd beyond belief) English window fasteners (a thing that fastens) which a child could open. Behind there was nothing remarkable (worthy of note), save that the passage (passage: a sea-journey — the old sense here) window could be reached from the top of the coach-house (a shed for carriages). I walked round it and examined (to inspect closely) it closely from every point of view, but without noting anything else of interest (interest: the spectacle that draws a crowd — the old sense here).

“I then lounged (to lie at ease) down the street and found, as I expected, that there was a mews (mews: a lane of stables) in a lane which runs down by one wall of the garden. I lent (to give on loan) the ostlers (ostlers: stablemen at an inn) a hand in rubbing (to press and slide upon) down their horses, and received in exchange twopence (two pennies), a glass of half-and-half (a mix of ale and porter), two fills of shag (coarse cut tobacco) tobacco (the smoking leaf), and as much information as I could desire about Miss Adler (Irene Adler, the adventuress who outwits Holmes; to him always the woman), to say nothing of half a dozen (twelve) other people in the neighbourhood (the surrounding district) in whom I was not in the least interested, but whose biographies (the story of a life) I was compelled (to force) to listen to.”

“And what of Irene Adler?” I asked.

“Oh, she has turned all the men’s heads down in that part. She is the daintiest (daintiest: most delicate and pretty) thing under a bonnet (a woman's tied hat) on this planet. So say the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly (without noise), sings at concerts, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp (keen-edged) for dinner. Seldom (rarely) goes out at other times, except when she sings. Has only one male visitor (one who visits), but a good deal of him. He is dark, handsome (fine-looking), and dashing (boldly stylish), never calls less than once a day, and often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey (Godfrey Norton, the lawyer) Norton (Godfrey Norton, the lawyer Irene Adler marries), of the Inner Temple. See the advantages of a cabman (a driver for hire) as a confidant (one trusted with secrets). They had driven him home a dozen (twelve) times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan of campaign.

“This Godfrey Norton was evidently (as plainly appears) an important factor in the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous (threatening evil to come). What was the relation (a connection; a relative) between them, and what the object of his repeated (to say or do again) visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress (the lady of the house; a kept woman)? If the former, she had probably transferred the photograph (to take a picture of) to his keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this question depended (to rest upon) whether I should continue my work at Briony Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman (a man of good birth and manners)’s chambers (a room) in the Temple. It was a delicate (finely tender) point, and it widened (to make wider) the field of my inquiry (an asking; an investigation). I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to let you see my little difficulties (hardness; trouble), if you are to understand the situation.”

“I am following you closely,” I answered.

“I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom (a two-wheeled horse cab) cab (a carriage for hire) drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman (a man of good birth and manners) sprang out. He was a remarkably (notably) handsome (fine-looking) man, dark, aquiline (with a curved eagle's nose), and moustached (hair on the upper lip)—evidently (as plainly appears) the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a great hurry (to move with haste), shouted (a loud cry) to the cabman (a driver for hire) to wait, and brushed (brushed past: pushed past) past the maid (a girl servant) who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly (through and through) at home.

“He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch glimpses (a brief sight) of him in the windows of the sitting-room (the family sitting room), pacing (a step's length; speed) up and down, talking excitedly (with stirred-up feeling), and waving his arms. Of her I could see nothing. Presently (soon; now) he emerged (to come out), looking even more flurried (flustered) than before. As he stepped up to the cab (a carriage for hire), he pulled a gold watch from his pocket (the sewn-in pouch) and looked at it earnestly (with deep seriousness), ‘Drive like the devil (the evil one),’ he shouted (a loud cry), ‘first to Gross & Hankey’s in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea (an old gold coin worth twenty-one shillings) if you do it in twenty minutes!’

“Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do well to follow them when up the lane came a neat (trimly ordered) little landau (a four-wheeled carriage with a folding top), the coachman (the driver of a coach) with his coat (an outer garment) only half-buttoned (only partly buttoned), and his tie under his ear (the organ of hearing), while all the tags (a hanging label) of his harness (a horse's working straps) were sticking out of the buckles (a fastening clasp). It hadn (had — hadn't: had not)’t pulled up before she shot out of the hall door and into it. I only caught a glimpse (a brief sight) of her at the moment, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for.

“‘The Church of St. Monica, John,’ she cried, ‘and half a sovereign (the supreme ruler) if you reach it in twenty minutes.’

“This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch (to sit high like a bird) behind her landau (a four-wheeled carriage with a folding top) when a cab (a carriage for hire) came through the street. The driver looked twice at such a shabby (worn and poor-looking) fare (the price of a journey; food), but I jumped in before he could object. ‘The Church of St. Monica,’ said I, ‘and half a sovereign (the supreme ruler) if you reach it in twenty minutes.’ It was twenty-five (twenty-five) minutes to twelve (twelve), and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind.

“My cabby (a cab driver) drove fast. I don’t think I ever drove faster, but the others were there before us. The cab (a carriage for hire) and the landau (a four-wheeled carriage with a folding top) with their steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the man and hurried (to move with haste) into the church. There was not a soul there save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced (surpliced: wearing a clergyman's white gown) clergyman (a minister of the church), who seemed to be expostulating (expostulating: protesting earnestly) with them. They were all three standing in a knot (a tied fastening; a tight cluster) in front of the altar (the holy table of a church). I lounged (to lie at ease) up the side aisle (a long passage between pillars or seats) like any other idler (one who does nothing) who has dropped into a church. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar (the holy table of a church) faced round to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards me.

“‘Thank God,’ he cried. ‘You’ll do. Come! Come!’

“‘What then?’ I asked.

“‘Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won’t be legal.’

“I was half-dragged (partly dragged) up to the altar (the holy table of a church), and before I knew where I was I found myself mumbling (to speak low and unclearly) responses which were whispered (a soft hushed voice) in my ear (the organ of hearing), and vouching (vouching: giving assurance) for things of which I knew nothing, and generally assisting (to help) in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster (an unmarried woman), to Godfrey Norton, bachelor (an unmarried man). It was all done in an instant (a moment; immediate), and there was the gentleman (a man of good birth and manners) thanking me on the one side and the lady on the other, while the clergyman (a minister of the church) beamed (a great timber; a ray of light; to smile brightly) on me in front. It was the most preposterous (absurd beyond belief) position in which I ever found myself in my life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just now. It seems that there had been some informality (a break in proper form) about their license, that the clergyman (a minister of the church) absolutely refused (to say no) to marry (to take in marriage) them without a witness (witness: consider as proof — the old sense here) of some sort, and that my lucky appearance saved the bridegroom (a man on his wedding day) from having to sally (a sudden dash out; a witty stroke) out into the streets in search of a best man. The bride (a woman on her wedding day) gave me a sovereign (the supreme ruler), and I mean to wear it on my watch chain in memory of the occasion (a particular time; cause).”

“This is a very unexpected (not looked for) turn of affairs,” said I; “and what then?”

“Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced (a threat). It looked as if the pair might take an immediate departure (a going away), and so necessitate (necessitated: made necessary) very prompt (quick to act; to move to action) and energetic (full of energy) measures on my part. At the church door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and she to her own house. ‘I shall drive out in the park at five as usual,’ she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove away in different directions, and I went off to make my own arrangements (an ordered setting).”

“Which are?”

“Some cold beef (ox meat) and a glass of beer,” he answered, ringing the bell. “I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want your co-operation (working together).”

“I shall be delighted (greatly pleased).”

“You don’t mind breaking the law?”

“Not in the least.”

“Nor running a chance of arrest?”

“Not in a good cause.”

“Oh, the cause is excellent!”

“Then I am your man.”

“I was sure that I might rely (to depend on) on you.”

“But what is it you wish?”

“When Mrs. Turner (John Turner, the rich landowner of Boscombe Valley; Alice Turner, his daughter) has brought in the tray (a flat carrying board) I will make it clear to you. Now,” he said as he turned hungrily (with hunger) on the simple fare (the price of a journey; food) that our landlady (the woman who lets lodgings) had provided, “I must discuss it while I eat, for I have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must be on the scene of action. Miss Irene (Irene Adler, the adventuress), or Madame, rather, returns from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her.”

“And what then?”

“You must leave that to me. I have already arranged (to set in order) what is to occur (to happen). There is only one point on which I must insist (to press firmly). You must not interfere (to meddle), come what may. You understand?”

“I am to be neutral (taking no side)?”

“To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small unpleasantness (an unpleasant matter). Do not join in it. It will end in my being conveyed (to carry; make known) into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards (later) the sitting-room (the family sitting room) window will open. You are to station yourself close to that open window.”

“Yes.”

“You are to watch me, for I will be visible (able to be seen) to you.”

“Yes.”

“And when I raise my hand—so—you will throw into the room what I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of fire. You quite follow me?”

“Entirely.”

“It is nothing very formidable (fearfully strong),” he said, taking a long cigar-shaped (shaped like a cigar) roll from his pocket (the sewn-in pouch). “It is an ordinary (usual; common) plumber (a worker in pipes and drains)’s smoke-rocket (a device that makes a burst of smoke), fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting (lighting itself). Your task is confined (to shut within limits) to that. When you raise your cry of fire, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin (to join again; to answer) you in ten minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?”

“I am to remain neutral (taking no side), to get near the window, to watch you, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street.”

“Precisely (exactly).”

“Then you may entirely rely (to depend on) on me.”

“That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I prepare for the new role I have to play.”

He disappeared (to vanish) into his bedroom (a sleeping room) and returned in a few minutes in the character of an amiable (friendly and pleasant) and simple-minded (simple of mind) Nonconformist clergyman (a minister of the church). His broad black hat, his baggy (loose and hanging) trousers (trousers), his white tie, his sympathetic (sharing another's feeling) smile, and general look of peering (to look closely; an equal) and benevolent (kindly and generous) curiosity (eagerness to know) were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have equalled. It was not merely (only) that Holmes changed his costume (dress; an outfit). His expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary (to change about) with every fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as science lost an acute (sharp) reasoner (one who works by reasoning), when he became a specialist (one skilled in one field) in crime.

It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Serpentine Avenue (a broad tree-lined road). It was already dusk (the fading light of evening), and the lamps (a light vessel) were just being lighted as we paced (a step's length; speed) up and down in front of Briony Lodge, waiting for the coming of its occupant (one who fills a place). The house was just such as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes’ succinct (brief and exact) description, but the locality (the place and its surroundings) appeared to be less private than I expected. On the contrary (opposite), for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood (the surrounding district), it was remarkably (notably) animated (full of life; lively). There was a group of shabbily (in a shabby way) dressed men smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder (a man who grinds scissors sharp) with his wheel, two guardsmen (a soldier of the Guards) who were flirting (to play at love) with a nurse-girl (a young nursemaid), and several well-dressed (dressed well) young men who were lounging (to lie at ease) up and down with cigars (a roll of tobacco leaves for smoking) in their mouths.

“You see,” remarked (to say; to notice) Holmes, as we paced (a step's length; speed) to and fro (to and fro: back and forth) in front of the house, “this marriage rather simplifies (simplifies: makes simpler) matters. The photograph (to take a picture of) becomes a double-edged (cutting both ways) weapon now. The chances are that she would be as averse (unwilling) to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the photograph (to take a picture of)?”

“Where, indeed?”

“It is most unlikely (not likely) that she carries it about with her. It is cabinet (a private room; a case) size. Too large for easy concealment (hiding) about a woman’s dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid (waylaid: lay in wait for) and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her.”

“Where, then?”

“Her banker (one who keeps and lends money) or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But I am inclined (leaning toward) to think neither. Women are naturally (by nature; of course) secretive (given to hiding things), and they like to do their own secreting (hiding). Why should she hand it over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship (care and protection), but she could not tell what indirect (not direct) or political influence might be brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she had resolved (to decide firmly) to use (use: habit; custom — the old sense here) it within a few days. It must be where she can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house.”

“But it has twice been burgled (burgled: broken into and robbed).”

“Pshaw! They did not know how to look.”

“But how will you look?”

“I will not look.”

“What then?”

“I will get her to show me.”

“But she will refuse (to say no).”

“She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble (a deep rolling noise) of wheels. It is her carriage (a wheeled passenger vehicle; bearing). Now carry out my orders to the letter.”

As he spoke the gleam (a soft flash of light) of the sidelights (sidelights: the side lamps of a carriage) of a carriage (a wheeled passenger vehicle; bearing) came round the curve (a bending line) of the avenue (a broad tree-lined road). It was a smart little landau (a four-wheeled carriage with a folding top) which rattled (a quick knocking noise) up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the loafing (a shaped mass of bread) men at the corner dashed (a swift rush) forward to open the door in the hope of earning (to gain by work) a copper (a big metal pot for boiling; the metal), but was elbowed (the arm's joint) away by another loafer (an idle hanger-on), who had rushed (to move with violent haste) up with the same intention (what one means to do). A fierce (savagely violent) quarrel (an angry dispute) broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen (a soldier of the Guards), who took sides with one of the loungers (loungers: idlers), and by the scissors-grinder (a man who grinds scissors sharp), who was equally (in equal measure) hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and in an instant (a moment; immediate) the lady, who had stepped from her carriage (a wheeled passenger vehicle; bearing), was the centre of a little knot (a tied fastening; a tight cluster) of flushed (red in the face) and struggling men, who struck savagely (with fierce cruelty) at each other with their fists (the closed hand) and sticks. Holmes dashed (a swift rush) into the crowd to protect the lady; but, just as he reached her, he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood running freely (without restraint) down his face. At his fall the guardsmen (a soldier of the Guards) took to their heels (the foot's back) in one direction and the loungers (loungers: idlers) in the other, while a number of better dressed people, who had watched the scuffle (a confused small struggle) without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to attend to the injured (to harm) man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, had hurried (to move with haste) up the steps; but she stood at the top with her superb (grandly fine) figure outlined (the bounding line) against the lights of the hall, looking back into the street.

“Is the poor gentleman (a man of good birth and manners) much hurt?” she asked.

“He is dead,” cried several voices.

“No, no, there’s life in him!” shouted (a loud cry) another. “But he’ll be gone before you can get him to hospital.”

“He’s a brave (full of courage) fellow,” said a woman. “They would have had the lady’s purse (a money bag) and watch if it hadn (had — hadn't: had not)’t been for him. They were a gang, and a rough (not smooth; rude) one, too. Ah, he’s breathing (to draw air) now.”

“He can’t lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?”

“Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room (the family sitting room). There is a comfortable sofa (a long padded seat). This way, please!”

Slowly and solemnly (with grave seriousness) he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out in the principal room, while I still observed (to watch; to remark) the proceedings (going on; a step taken) from my post by the window. The lamps (a light vessel) had been lit, but the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay upon the couch (a long seat; to put into words). I do not know whether he was seized (to grab; take hold) with compunction (a pang of conscience) at that moment for the part he was playing, but I know that I never felt more heartily (with all one's heart) ashamed (feeling shame) of myself in my life than when I saw the beautiful creature (a living being) against whom I was conspiring (to plot together), or the grace and kindliness (gentle kindness) with which she waited upon the injured (to harm) man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery (betrayal) to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted (entrusted: given into the care of) to me. I hardened (to make hard) my heart, and took the smoke-rocket (a device that makes a burst of smoke) from under my ulster (a long loose overcoat). After all, I thought, we are not injuring (to harm) her. We are but preventing her from injuring (to harm) another.

Holmes had sat up upon the couch (a long seat; to put into words), and I saw him motion like a man who is in need of air. A maid (a girl servant) rushed (to move with violent haste) across and threw open the window. At the same instant (a moment; immediate) I saw him raise his hand and at the signal I tossed (to throw lightly) my rocket (a firework that shoots up) into the room with a cry of “Fire!” The word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of spectators (spectators: onlookers), well dressed and ill—gentlemen (a man of good birth and manners), ostlers (ostlers: stablemen at an inn), and servant (one who serves) maids (a girl servant)—joined in a general shriek (a piercing scream) of “Fire!” Thick (of great depth through; dense) clouds (a sky mass of vapor; to darken with sadness) of smoke curled (a coiled lock of hair) through the room and out at the open window. I caught a glimpse (a brief sight) of rushing (to move with violent haste) figures, and a moment later the voice of Holmes from within assuring (to promise; make sure) them that it was a false alarm (sudden fear; a warning). Slipping (to slide by accident; a small error) through the shouting (crying loudly) crowd I made my way to the corner of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced (to be glad) to find my friend’s arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar (a loud confused noise). He walked swiftly (fast) and in silence (absence of sound) for some few minutes until we had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Edgeware Road.

“You did it very nicely (pleasantly), Doctor,” he remarked (to say; to notice). “Nothing could have been better. It is all right.”

“You have the photograph (to take a picture of)?”

“I know where it is.”

“And how did you find out?”

“She showed me, as I told you she would.”

“I am still in the dark.”

“I do not wish to make a mystery (a hidden truth),” said he, laughing. “The matter was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the street was an accomplice (a partner in crime). They were all engaged for the evening.”

“I guessed as much.”

“Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist (slightly wet) red paint in the palm (the hand's flat; the southern tree) of my hand. I rushed (to move with violent haste) forward, fell down, clapped (to strike the palms together) my hand to my face, and became a piteous (calling for pity) spectacle (a grand sight; glasses for the eyes). It is an old trick (a deceiving act).”

“That also I could fathom (to reach the depth of).”

“Then they carried me in. She was bound (to tie fast) to have me in. What else could she do? And into her sitting-room (the family sitting room), which was the very room which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom (a sleeping room), and I was determined to see which. They laid me on a couch (a long seat; to put into words), I motioned for air, they were compelled (to force) to open the window, and you had your chance.”

“How did that help you?”

“It was all-important (most important of all). When a woman thinks that her house is on fire, her instinct (inborn prompting) is at once to rush (to move with violent haste) to the thing which she values most. It is a perfectly overpowering (to overcome by force) impulse (a sudden inner push), and I have more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Darlington Substitution Scandal (shameful public talk) it was of use (use: habit; custom — the old sense here) to me, and also in the Arnsworth Castle business. A married (to take in marriage) woman grabs at her baby; an unmarried (not married) one reaches for her jewel-box (a box for jewels). Now it was clear to me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious (of great worth) to her than what we are in quest (a searching journey) of. She would rush (to move with violent haste) to secure it. The alarm (sudden fear; a warning) of fire was admirably (in a way to be admired) done. The smoke and shouting (crying loudly) were enough to shake (to move quickly to and fro) nerves (the body's feeling thread; courage) of steel. She responded beautifully (finely). The photograph (to take a picture of) is in a recess (a set-back hollow) behind a sliding (to move smoothly along) panel just above the right bell-pull (the cord pulled to ring a servant's bell). She was there in an instant (a moment; immediate), and I caught a glimpse (a brief sight) of it as she half drew it out. When I cried out that it was a false alarm (sudden fear; a warning), she replaced it, glanced (a quick look) at the rocket (a firework that shoots up), rushed (to move with violent haste) from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated (to pause in doubt) whether to attempt to secure the photograph (to take a picture of) at once; but the coachman (the driver of a coach) had come in, and as he was watching me narrowly (by a hair; closely), it seemed safer to wait. A little over-precipitance (too much haste) may ruin (destruction; broken remains) all.”

“And now?” I asked.

“Our quest (a searching journey) is practically (in practice; almost) finished. I shall call with the King to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be shown into the sitting-room (the family sitting room) to wait for the lady, but it is probable (likely) that when she comes she may find neither us nor the photograph (to take a picture of). It might be a satisfaction (content; amends given) to his Majesty to regain (to win back) it with his own hands.”

“And when will you call?”

“At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt (quick to act; to move to action), for this marriage may mean a complete change in her life and habits (a settled way of acting). I must wire (a metal thread) to the King without delay (to put off).”

We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was searching his pockets (the sewn-in pouch) for the key when someone passing said:

“Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes.”

There were several people on the pavement (a paved walk) at the time, but the greeting (words of welcome) appeared to come from a slim (gracefully thin) youth in an ulster (a long loose overcoat) who had hurried (to move with haste) by.

“I’ve heard that voice before,” said Holmes, staring down the dimly (faintly) lit street. “Now, I wonder who the deuce (the devil — a mild oath) that could have been.”

III.

I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our toast (a drink to one's health; browned bread) and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed (to move with violent haste) into the room.

“You have really got it!” he cried, grasping (to seize; to understand) Sherlock Holmes by either shoulder and looking eagerly (with eager keenness) into his face.

“Not yet.”

“But you have hopes?”

“I have hopes.”

“Then, come. I am all impatience (restless eagerness) to be gone.”

“We must have a cab (a carriage for hire).”

“No, my brougham (a closed one-horse carriage) is waiting.”

“Then that will simplify (to make simpler) matters.” We descended (to go down) and started off once more for Briony Lodge.

“Irene Adler is married (to take in marriage),” remarked (to say; to notice) Holmes.

“Married (to take in marriage)! When?”

“Yesterday.”

“But to whom?”

“To an English lawyer named Norton.”

“But she could not love him.”

“I am in hopes that she does.”

“And why in hopes?”

“Because it would spare (to hold back from harming; extra) your Majesty all fear of future annoyance (irritation). If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason why she should interfere (to meddle) with your Majesty’s plan.”

“It is true. And yet—! Well! I wish she had been of my own station! What a queen she would have made!” He relapsed (a falling back) into a moody (gloomy) silence (absence of sound), which was not broken until we drew up in Serpentine Avenue (a broad tree-lined road).

The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly (getting old) woman stood upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic (mocking) eye as we stepped from the brougham (a closed one-horse carriage).

“Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?” said she.

“I am Mr. Holmes,” answered my companion (one who keeps company), looking at her with a questioning (asking questions) and rather startled (jolted with surprise) gaze (a long steady look).

“Indeed! My mistress (the lady of the house; a kept woman) told me that you were likely to call. She left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Cross for the Continent.”

“What!” Sherlock Holmes staggered (to walk unsteadily) back, white with chagrin (vexed disappointment) and surprise. “Do you mean that she has left England?”

“Never to return.”

“And the papers?” asked the King hoarsely (in a rough, husky voice). “All is lost.”

“We shall see.” He pushed past the servant (one who serves) and rushed (to move with violent haste) into the drawing-room (the sitting room for guests), followed by the King and myself. The furniture (the fittings of a house) was scattered (to throw about; break apart) about in every direction, with dismantled (taken apart) shelves (a flat holding board) and open drawers (a sliding box in a table), as if the lady had hurriedly (in a rush) ransacked (to search through and plunder) them before her flight. Holmes rushed (to move with violent haste) at the bell-pull (the cord pulled to ring a servant's bell), tore (a drop of weeping; to rip) back a small sliding (to move smoothly along) shutter (a window's wooden cover), and, plunging (to dive suddenly) in his hand, pulled out a photograph (to take a picture of) and a letter. The photograph (to take a picture of) was of Irene Adler herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed (to write on the outside) to “Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for.” My friend tore (a drop of weeping; to rip) it open, and we all three read it together. It was dated at midnight (twelve at night) of the preceding (to come before) night and ran in this way:

“MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,—You really did it very well. You took me in completely. Until after the alarm (sudden fear; a warning) of fire, I had not a suspicion (a feeling that something is wrong). But then, when I found how I had betrayed (to give up to an enemy; to be false to) myself, I began to think. I had been warned (to tell of danger) against you months ago. I had been told that, if the King employed (to use; to give work) an agent, it would certainly be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, you made me reveal (to make known) what you wanted to know. Even after I became suspicious (full of distrust), I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind old clergyman (a minister of the church). But, you know, I have been trained as an actress (a woman player on the stage) myself. Male costume (dress; an outfit) is nothing new to me. I often take advantage of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman (the driver of a coach), to watch you, ran upstairs (on the floor above), got into my walking clothes, as I call them, and came down just as you departed (to go away).

“Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was really an object of interest (interest: the spectacle that draws a crowd — the old sense here) to the celebrated (to keep a feast) Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently (rashly), wished you good-night, and started for the Temple to see my husband.

“We both thought the best resource (a means at hand) was flight, when pursued (to chase after) by so formidable (fearfully strong) an antagonist (an opponent); so you will find the nest (a bird's built home) empty when you call to-morrow. As to the photograph (to take a picture of), 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 (something in the way) from one whom he has cruelly (with cruelty) wronged. I keep it only to safeguard (a protecting guard) myself, and to preserve (to keep safe) a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might take in the future. I leave a photograph (to take a picture of) which he might care to possess (to own; to hold); and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes,

“Very truly yours,

“IRENE NORTON, née ADLER.”

“What a woman—oh, what a woman!” cried the King of Bohemia, when we had all three read this epistle (a letter). “Did I not tell you how quick and resolute (firmly determined) she was? Would she not have made an admirable (worthy of admiration) queen? Is it not a pity (sorrow for another's pain) that she was not on my level?”

“From what I have seen of the lady, she seems, indeed, to be on a very different level to your Majesty,” said Holmes coldly (without warmth). “I am sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty’s business to a more successful conclusion (an end; a decision).”

“On the contrary (opposite), my dear sir,” cried the King; “nothing could be more successful. I know that her word is inviolate (unbroken; untouched). The photograph (to take a picture of) is now as safe as if it were in the fire.”

“I am glad to hear your Majesty say so.”

“I am immensely (hugely) indebted (owing a debt) to you. Pray (please; to beg) tell me in what way I can reward (a return for service) you. This ring—” He slipped (to slide by accident; a small error) an emerald (the bright green gem) snake (the long legless reptile) ring from his finger (a digit of the hand) and held it out upon the palm (the hand's flat; the southern tree) of his hand.

“Your Majesty has something which I should value even more highly,” said Holmes.

“You have but to name it.”

“This photograph (to take a picture of)!”

The King stared at him in amazement (great wonder).

“Irene’s photograph (to take a picture of)!” he cried. “Certainly, if you wish it.”

“I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the matter. I have the honour (honor) to wish you a very good morning.” He bowed (a bending of the head or body), and, turning away without observing (to watch; to remark) the hand which the King had stretched (to draw out) out to him, he set off in my company for his chambers (a room).

And that was how a great scandal (shameful public talk) threatened (to hold out harm) to affect the kingdom of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman’s wit (quickness of mind). He used (use: habit; custom — the old sense here) to make merry (full of cheer) over the cleverness (quick skill of mind) of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers (to direct to; to relate to) to her photograph (to take a picture of), it is always under the honourable (worthy of honour) title of the woman.