A Scandal in Bohemia by Arthur Conan Doyle- page 13

“ ‘Thank God,’ he cried. ‘You’ll do.

• Thank God: an exclamation expressing gratitude or relief to God [θæŋk gɑd]
• he: refers to a male person previously mentioned or known [hi]
• cried: exclaimed loudly; expressed strong emotion [kraɪd]
• You’ll: contraction of 'you will', indicating a future action or state [jul]
• do: be suitable or acceptable; suffice [du]

Come!

• Come: an invitation or command to move or go with the speaker [kəm]

“ ‘What then?’ I asked.

• What then: an inquiry about what happens next or what the consequences are [wət ðɛn]
• I: the speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]
• asked: put a question to someone [æst]

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

• Come: an invitation or command to move or go with the speaker [kəm]
• man: used to address someone, often informally [mæn]
• come: repeated for emphasis [kəm]
• only: merely; just [ˈoʊnli]
• three minutes: a short period of time, specifically 180 seconds [θri ˈmɪnəts]
• or: used to introduce an alternative [ər]
• it: refers to the situation or action [ɪt]
• won’t: contraction of 'will not', indicating a future negation [woʊnt]
• be legal: conform to the law; be permissible by law [bi ˈligəl]

“I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Godfrey Norton, bachelor.

• I: the speaker referring to himself [aɪ]
• was half-dragged: was pulled or forced along with some resistance [wɑz half-dragged]
• up to: towards; in the direction of [əp tɪ]
• the altar: a table or structure used for religious ceremonies [ðə ˈɔltər]
• and: used to connect clauses or phrases [ənd]
• before: earlier than; sooner than [ˌbiˈfɔr]
• I: the speaker [aɪ]
• knew: was aware of [nu]
• where I was: my location or situation [wɛr aɪ wɑz]
• I: the speaker [aɪ]
• found myself: discovered that I was [faʊnd ˌmaɪˈsɛlf]
• mumbling: speaking quietly and indistinctly [ˈməmbəlɪŋ]
• responses: answers or reactions [rɪˈspɑnsɪz]
• which: referring to the responses [wɪʧ]
• were whispered: were spoken very softly [wər ˈwɪspərd]
• in my ear: close to my ear [ɪn maɪ ɪr]
• and: used to connect clauses or phrases [ənd]
• vouching for: asserting or confirming something [ˈvaʊʧɪŋ fər]
• things: matters or subjects [θɪŋz]
• of which: referring to the things [əv wɪʧ]
• I: the speaker [aɪ]
• knew nothing: had no knowledge [nu ˈnəθɪŋ]
• and: used to connect clauses or phrases [ənd]
• generally: in general; usually [ˈʤɛnərəli]
• assisting: helping or aiding [əˈsɪstɪŋ]
• in: indicating involvement or participation [ɪn]
• the secure tying up: the binding or commitment [ðə sɪˈkjʊr taɪɪŋ əp]
• of: indicating possession or association [əv]
• Irene Adler: a person's name [aɪˈrin ˈædlər]
• spinster: an unmarried woman, typically older [ˈspɪnstər]
• to: indicating a relationship or connection [tɪ]
• Godfrey Norton: a person's name [ˈgɑdfri ˈnɔrtən]
• bachelor: an unmarried man [ˈbæʧələr]

It was all done in an instant, and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front.

• It: refers to the wedding ceremony [ɪt]
• was all done: was completed or finished [wɑz ɔl dən]
• in an instant: very quickly; immediately [ɪn ən ˈɪnstənt]
• and: used to connect clauses or phrases [ənd]
• there was: there existed [ðɛr wɑz]
• the gentleman: the man; referring to Godfrey Norton [ðə ˈʤɛnəlmən]
• thanking me: expressing gratitude to the speaker [ˈθæŋkɪŋ mi]
• on the one side: on one side of the speaker [ɔn ðə wən saɪd]
• and: used to connect clauses or phrases [ənd]
• the lady: the woman; referring to Irene Adler [ðə ˈleɪdi]
• on the other: on the other side of the speaker [ɔn ðə ˈəðər]
• while: at the same time as [waɪl]
• the clergyman: a member of the clergy; a priest or minister [ðə ˈklərʤiˌmæn]
• beamed: smiled brightly [bimd]
• on me: at the speaker [ɔn mi]
• in front: in front of the speaker [ɪn frənt]

It was the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just now.

• It: refers to the situation [ɪt]
• was: past tense of 'is' [wɑz]
• the most preposterous position: the most absurd or ridiculous situation [ðə moʊst prɪˈpɑstərəs pəˈzɪʃən]
• in which: referring to the position [ɪn wɪʧ]
• I: the speaker [aɪ]
• ever: at any time [ˈɛvər]
• found myself: discovered that I was [faʊnd ˌmaɪˈsɛlf]
• in my life: during my lifetime [ɪn maɪ laɪf]
• and: used to connect clauses or phrases [ənd]
• it: refers to the thought of the situation [ɪt]
• was: past tense of 'is' [wɑz]
• the thought: the idea or consideration [ðə θɔt]
• of it: referring to the situation [əv ɪt]
• that: used to introduce a clause [ðət]
• started me laughing: caused me to begin laughing [ˈstɑrtɪd mi ˈlæfɪŋ]
• just now: at this moment [ʤɪst naʊ]

It seems that there had been some informality about their license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in search of a best man.

• It seems: it appears or is evident [ɪt simz]
• that: used to introduce a clause [ðət]
• there had been: there was [ðɛr hæd bɪn]
• some informality: a lack of proper procedure or formality [səm ˌɪnfərˈmælɪti]
• about their license: regarding their marriage license [əˈbaʊt ðɛr ˈlaɪsəns]
• that: used to introduce a clause [ðət]
• the clergyman: a member of the clergy; a priest or minister [ðə ˈklərʤiˌmæn]
• absolutely: completely; definitely [ˌæbsəˈlutli]
• refused: declined to do something [rɪfˈjuzd]
• to marry them: to perform the marriage ceremony for them [tɪ ˈmɛri ðɛm]
• without: not having; lacking [wɪˈθaʊt]
• a witness: someone who observes an event and can testify to it [ə ˈwɪtnəs]
• of some sort: of some kind; any type of witness [əv səm sɔrt]
• and: used to connect clauses or phrases [ənd]
• that: used to introduce a clause [ðət]
• my lucky appearance: my fortunate arrival [maɪ ˈləki əˈpɪrəns]
• saved: rescued or prevented harm to [seɪvd]
• the bridegroom: the man who is getting married [ðə ˈbraɪdˌgrum]
• from having to: from needing to [frəm ˈhævɪŋ tɪ]
• sally out: go out or set forth, often boldly [ˈsæli aʊt]
• into: to the inside of [ˈɪntu]
• the streets: public roads in a town or city [ðə strits]
• in search of: looking for; trying to find [ɪn sərʧ əv]
• a best man: the groom's main attendant at a wedding [ə bɛst mæn]

“This is a very unexpected turn of affairs,” said I; “and what then?”

• This: Demonstrative pronoun referring to something close by or being indicated [ðɪs]
• is: Present tense form of the verb 'to be', linking the subject to the description [ɪz]
• a: Indefinite article, introducing a singular noun [ə]
• very: Adverb, intensifying the adjective that follows [ˈvɛri]
• unexpected: Adjective, meaning not anticipated or predicted [ˌənɪkˈspɛktɪd]
• turn: Noun, referring to a change in direction or course [tərn]
• of: Preposition, indicating relationship or connection [əv]
• affairs: Noun, plural, referring to events or circumstances [əˈfɛrz]
• said: Past tense of the verb 'to say', indicating speech [sɛd]
• I: First-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses or phrases [ənd]
• what: Interrogative pronoun, asking for information [wət]
• then: Adverb, indicating what happens next or as a consequence [ðɛn]

“Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced.

• Well: An interjection used to express surprise, hesitation, or to introduce a statement [wɛl]
• I: First-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
• found: Past tense of the verb 'to find', meaning to discover or come across something [faʊnd]
• my: Possessive pronoun, indicating ownership by the speaker [maɪ]
• plans: Noun, referring to a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something [plænz]
• very: Adverb, intensifying the adjective that follows [ˈvɛri]
• seriously: Adverb, meaning in a grave or critical manner [ˈsɪriəsli]
• menaced: Verb, past participle, meaning threatened or endangered [ˈmɛnɪst]

It looked as if the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate very prompt and energetic measures on my part.

• It: Pronoun, referring to a situation or circumstance [ɪt]
• looked: Past tense of the verb 'to look', meaning appeared or seemed [lʊkt]
• as if: Conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause expressing a condition or possibility [ɛz ɪf]
• the pair: Noun phrase, referring to two people, likely a couple [ðə pɛr]
• might: Modal verb, expressing possibility or uncertainty [maɪt]
• take: Verb, meaning to perform an action [teɪk]
• an: Indefinite article, introducing a singular noun [ən]
• immediate: Adjective, meaning happening or done without delay [ˌɪˈmiˌdiət]
• departure: Noun, referring to the act of leaving [dɪˈpɑrʧər]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses or phrases [ənd]
• so: Adverb, meaning therefore or as a result [soʊ]
• necessitate: Verb, meaning to make something necessary [nəˈsɛsəˌteɪt]
• very: Adverb, intensifying the adjective that follows [ˈvɛri]
• prompt: Adjective, meaning done without delay; immediate [prɑmpt]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses or phrases [ənd]
• energetic: Adjective, meaning showing or involving great activity or vitality [ˌɛnərˈʤɛtɪk]
• measures: Noun, plural, referring to actions taken to achieve a particular purpose [ˈmɛʒərz]
• on: Preposition, indicating a direction or target [ɔn]
• my: Possessive pronoun, indicating ownership by the speaker [maɪ]
• part: Noun, referring to the role or action of someone [pɑrt]

At the church door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and she to her own house.

• At: Preposition, indicating a specific location or time [æt]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific noun [ðə]
• church: Noun, referring to a building used for public Christian worship [ʧərʧ]
• door: Noun, referring to a hinged barrier used to close off an entrance [dɔr]
• however: Adverb, expressing contrast or contradiction [ˌhaʊˈɛvər]
• they: Pronoun, referring to a group of people previously mentioned [ðeɪ]
• separated: Verb, past tense, meaning to move or be moved apart [ˈsɛpərˌeɪtɪd]
• he: Pronoun, referring to a male person previously mentioned [hi]
• driving: Verb, present participle, meaning operating a vehicle [ˈdraɪvɪŋ]
• back: Adverb, meaning in the direction that one has come from [bæk]
• to: Preposition, expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific noun [ðə]
• Temple: Noun, referring to a specific building or institution, likely a legal one in this context [ˈtɛmpəl]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses or phrases [ənd]
• she: Pronoun, referring to a female person previously mentioned [ʃi]
• to: Preposition, expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• her: Possessive pronoun, indicating ownership by a female person [hər]
• own: Adjective, emphasizing possession [oʊn]
• house: Noun, referring to a building used as a dwelling [haʊs]

‘I shall drive out in the park at five as usual,’ she said as she left him.

• I: First-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker in the quote [‘‘i]
• shall: Auxiliary verb, used to express future tense or intention [ʃæl]
• drive: Verb, meaning to operate a vehicle [draɪv]
• out: Adverb, meaning away from a place or out into the open [aʊt]
• in: Preposition, expressing location or position [ɪn]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific noun [ðə]
• park: Noun, referring to a large public garden or area of land used for recreation [pɑrk]
• at: Preposition, indicating a specific time [æt]
• five: Numeral, referring to the number 5 [faɪv]
• as: Preposition, used to indicate identity or equivalence [ɛz]
• usual: Adjective, meaning normally or habitually [ˈjuʒəwəl]
• she: Pronoun, referring to a female person previously mentioned [ʃi]
• said: Past tense of the verb 'to say', indicating speech [sɛd]
• as: Conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause expressing time or manner [ɛz]
• she: Pronoun, referring to a female person previously mentioned [ʃi]
• left: Past tense of the verb 'to leave', meaning to go away from [lɛft]
• him: Pronoun, referring to a male person previously mentioned [ɪm]

I heard no more.

• I: First-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
• heard: Past tense of the verb 'to hear', meaning to perceive with the ear [hərd]
• no: Adverb, meaning not at all [noʊ]
• more: Adverb, meaning to a greater extent or degree [mɔr]

“Which are?”

“Some cold beef 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.

• Some cold beef: A portion of beef that has been chilled and is served cold [səm koʊld bif]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• a glass of beer: a serving of beer in a drinking glass [ə glæs əv bɪr]
• he answered, ringing the bell: Indicates that he responded to a question or situation by requesting service using a bell. The ringing of the bell indicates a request for service or attention. [ hi ˈænsərd ˈrɪŋɪŋ ðə bɛl]
• I have been: Indicates that the speaker has experienced something over a period of time up to the present [aɪ hæv bɪn]
• too busy: Extremely occupied or engaged in activities [tu ˈbɪzi]
• to think of food: so occupied that one has not had time to consider eating [tɪ θɪŋk əv fud]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• I am likely: Indicates a probability or expectation [aɪ æm ˈlaɪkli]
• to be busier still: to be even more occupied or engaged in activities in the future [tɪ bi ˈbɪziər stɪl]
• this evening: the period of time between late afternoon and night on the current day [ðɪs ˈivnɪŋ]

“I shall be delighted.”

• I shall be delighted: expresses strong pleasure or willingness to do something [aɪ ʃæl bi dɪˈlaɪtɪd]

“You don’t mind breaking the law?”

• You don’t mind: a polite way of asking if someone objects to something [ju doʊnt maɪnd]
• breaking the law: committing an illegal act [ˈbreɪkɪŋ ðə lɔ]

“Not in the least.”

• Not in the least: not at all; to no extent [nɑt ɪn ðə list]

“Nor running a chance of arrest?”

• Nor running: also not taking [nɔr ˈrənɪŋ]
• a chance of arrest: the possibility of being taken into custody by law enforcement [ə ʧæns əv ərˈɛst]

“Not in a good cause.”

• Not in a good cause: only if the reason or aim is morally right or beneficial [nɑt ɪn ə gʊd kɔz]