“Well(used to express surprise, hesitation, or mild agreement [wɛl]), I(the speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]) followed(went after or came after someone [ˈfɑloʊd]) you(the person being addressed [ju]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) your(belonging to or associated with the person being addressed [jʊr]) door(a hinged or sliding barrier used to close off an entrance [dɔr]), and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) so(therefore; for that reason [soʊ]) made(past tense of 'make', meaning to create or cause something [meɪd]) sure(certain; confident [ʃʊr]) that(introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]) I(the speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]) was(past tense of 'be' [wɑz]) really(in fact; actually [ˈrɪli]) an(indefinite article, used before words beginning with a vowel sound [ən]) object(a person or thing to which action or feeling is directed [ˈɑbʤɛkt]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) interest(the state of wanting to know or learn about something or someone [ˈɪntəˌrɛst]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) the(definite article, referring to a specific person or thing [ðə]) celebrated(famous; well-known [ˈsɛləˌbreɪtɪd]) Mr(a title used before a man's name [ˈmɪstər]). Sherlock Holmes(the name of a fictional detective [ˈʃərˌlɑk hoʊmz]). Then(after that; next [ðɛn]) I(the speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]), rather(to a certain extent; somewhat [ˈrəðər]) imprudently(unwisely; without thinking of the consequences [ˌɪmˈprudəntli]), wished(expressed a desire or hope [wɪʃt]) you(the person being addressed [ju]) good-night(a farewell greeting said in the evening or before going to bed [good-night]), and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) started(began; commenced [ˈstɑrtɪd]) for(expressing purpose or direction [fər]) the(definite article, referring to a specific person or thing [ðə]) Temple(reference to the Inns of Court in London, a place where lawyers have offices and residences [ˈtɛmpəl]) to(expressing purpose or direction [tɪ]) see(to perceive with the eyes; to meet or visit [si]) my(belonging to or associated with the speaker or writer [maɪ]) husband(a married man [ˈhəzbənd]).
“We(the speaker or writer and one or more other people [wi]) both(referring to two people or things together [boʊθ]) thought(past tense of 'think', meaning to have an opinion or belief [θɔt]) the(definite article, referring to a specific person or thing [ðə]) best(of the highest quality, excellence, or standing [bɛst]) resource(a source of help or information [ˈrisɔrs]) was(past tense of 'be' [wɑz]) flight(the act of running away to escape danger [flaɪt]), when(at or during the time that [wɪn]) pursued(followed or chased, typically in order to catch or attack someone [pərˈsud]) by(expressing the agent performing an action [baɪ]) so(to such a great extent [soʊ]) formidable(inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable [ˌfɔrˈmɪdəbəl]) an(indefinite article, used before words beginning with a vowel sound [ən]) antagonist(a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary [ænˈtægənəst]); so(therefore; for that reason [soʊ]) you(the person being addressed [ju]) will(expressing the future tense [wɪl]) find(discover or perceive by chance or unexpectedly [faɪnd]) the(definite article, referring to a specific person or thing [ðə]) nest(a place used by birds or other animals for laying eggs or raising young, used metaphorically here to refer to a home or dwelling [nɛst]) empty(containing nothing; not filled or occupied [ˈɛmti]) when(at or during the time that [wɪn]) you(the person being addressed [ju]) call(visit someone [kɔl]) to-morrow(archaic spelling of 'tomorrow', meaning the day after today [to-morrow]). As(used to indicate that something happens during the time that something else is taking place [ɛz]) to(with regard to [tɪ]) the(definite article, referring to a specific person or thing [ðə]) photograph(a picture made using a camera [ˈfoʊtəˌgræf]), your(belonging to or associated with the person being addressed [jʊr]) client(a person who uses the services of a professional person or organization [klaɪənt]) may(expressing possibility [meɪ]) rest(be free from anxiety [rɛst]) in(expressing the situation of something that is or appears to be enclosed or surrounded by something else [ɪn]) peace(freedom from disturbance; tranquility [pis]). I(the speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]) love(have a strong affection for [ləv]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) am(first person singular present of 'be' [æm]) loved(feel deep affection or sexual love for (someone [ləvd]) by(expressing the agent performing an action [baɪ]) a(indefinite article, used before words beginning with a consonant sound [ə]) better(of a higher standard, or more suitable, pleasing, or effective than other things or people [ˈbɛtər]) man(an adult male human being [mæn]) than(used to introduce the second element in a comparison [ðən]) he(the male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [hi]). The(definite article, referring to a specific person or thing [ðə]) King(the male ruler of an independent state, especially one who inherits the position by right of birth [kɪŋ]) may(expressing possibility [meɪ]) do(perform an action [du]) what(asking for information specifying something [wət]) he(the male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [hi]) will(expressing the future tense [wɪl]) without(in the absence of [wɪˈθaʊt]) hindrance(a thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone [ˈhɪndrəns]) from(expressing the point of origin [frəm]) one(used to refer to a single person or thing [wən]) whom(used instead of 'who' as the object of a verb or preposition [hum]) he(the male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [hi]) has(third person singular present of 'have' [həz]) cruelly(in a way that causes pain or suffering [ˈkruli]) wronged(treated someone unfairly; acted unjustly towards someone [rɔŋd]). I(the speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]) keep(retain possession of [kip]) it(referring to the photograph [ɪt]) only(and for no other reason; just [ˈoʊnli]) to(expressing purpose or direction [tɪ]) safeguard(protect from harm or damage with appropriate measures [ˈseɪfˌgɑrd]) myself(used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself [ˌmaɪˈsɛlf]), and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) to(expressing purpose or direction [tɪ]) preserve(maintain (something) in its original or existing state [prɪˈzərv]) a(indefinite article, used before words beginning with a consonant sound [ə]) weapon(a thing designed or used for inflicting bodily harm or physical damage [ˈwɛpən]) which(used to introduce a clause giving further information about a thing previously mentioned [wɪʧ]) will(expressing the future tense [wɪl]) always(at all times; on all occasions [ˈɔlˌweɪz]) secure(protect (something) from threats [sɪˈkjʊr]) me(used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself as the object of a verb or preposition [mi]) from(expressing the point of origin [frəm]) any(one or some or every of a number of things [ˈɛni]) steps(actions or measures taken to achieve something [stɛps]) which(used to introduce a clause giving further information about a thing previously mentioned [wɪʧ]) he(the male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [hi]) might(expressing possibility or uncertainty [maɪt]) take(perform an action [teɪk]) in(expressing the situation of something that is or appears to be enclosed or surrounded by something else [ɪn]) the(definite article, referring to a specific person or thing [ðə]) future(a time yet to come [fˈjuʧər]). I(the speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]) leave(go away from [liv]) a(indefinite article, used before words beginning with a consonant sound [ə]) photograph(a picture made using a camera [ˈfoʊtəˌgræf]) which(used to introduce a clause giving further information about a thing previously mentioned [wɪʧ]) he(the male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [hi]) might(expressing possibility or uncertainty [maɪt]) care(feel concern or interest [kɛr]) to(expressing purpose or direction [tɪ]) possess(have as belonging to one; own [pəˈzɛs]); and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) I(the speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]) remain(continue to exist, especially after other things or people have ceased to do so [rɪˈmeɪn]), dear(regarded with deep affection [dɪr]) Mr(a title used before a man's name [ˈmɪstər]). Sherlock Holmes(the name of a fictional detective [ˈʃərˌlɑk hoʊmz]),
“Very truly yours(A formal closing to a letter, indicating sincerity and respect [ˈvɛri ˈtruli jʊrz]), “IRENE NORTON, née ADLER(The name of the person, with 'née' indicating her maiden name was Adler [aɪˈrin ˈnɔrtən née ˈædlər]).”
“What a woman(An exclamation expressing admiration or surprise about a woman [wət ə ˈwʊmən])—oh(An interjection expressing surprise, pain, or other emotions [oʊ]), what a woman(Repeated exclamation, emphasizing the speaker's admiration [wət ə ˈwʊmən])!” cried(Exclaimed; shouted; expressed strongly [kraɪd]) the King of Bohemia(A royal person from Bohemia [ðə kɪŋ əv boʊˈhimiə]), when(At the time that [wɪn]) we had all three read this epistle(The speaker and two others had read the letter [wi hæd ɔl θri rɛd ðɪs ɪˈpɪsəl]). “Did I not tell you(A rhetorical question meaning 'I told you so' [dɪd aɪ nɑt tɛl ju]) how quick and resolute she was(Describing her as being fast-thinking and determined [haʊ kwɪk ənd ˈrɛzəˌlut ʃi wɑz])? Would she not have made an admirable queen(A rhetorical question suggesting she would have been a great queen [wʊd ʃi nɑt hæv meɪd ən ˈædmərəbəl kwin])? Is it not a pity(Expressing regret or sadness [ɪz ɪt nɑt ə ˈpɪti]) that she was not on my level(Regretting that she was not of the same social status as him [ðət ʃi wɑz nɑt ɔn maɪ ˈlɛvəl])?”
“From what I have seen of the lady(Based on my observations of the woman [frəm wət aɪ hæv sin əv ðə ˈleɪdi]), she seems, indeed, to be on a very different level to your Majesty(She appears to be superior to you [ʃi simz ˌɪnˈdid tɪ bi ɔn ə ˈvɛri ˈdɪfərənt ˈlɛvəl tɪ jʊr ˈmæʤəsti]),” said Holmes coldly(Holmes spoke in an unemotional and detached manner [sɛd hoʊmz ˈkoʊldli]). “I am sorry(Expressing regret [aɪ æm ˈsɑri]) that I have not been able to bring your Majesty’s business to a more successful conclusion(Apologizing for not resolving the King's issue satisfactorily [ðət aɪ hæv nɑt bɪn ˈeɪbəl tɪ brɪŋ jʊr ˈmæʤəstiz ˈbɪznɪs tɪ ə mɔr səkˈsɛsfəl kənˈkluʒən]).”
“On the contrary(An expression used to indicate the opposite of what was previously stated. [ɔn ðə ˈkɑntrɛri]), my dear sir(A polite and somewhat formal way of addressing someone, indicating respect or affection. [maɪ dɪr sər]),” cried(Exclaimed or shouted; used to emphasize the emotion with which the King spoke. [kraɪd]) the King(Referring to the monarch, the ruler of the kingdom. [ðə kɪŋ]); “nothing could be more successful(Emphasizing that the situation is as good as it could possibly be. [ˈnəθɪŋ kʊd bi mɔr səkˈsɛsfəl]). I know that her word is inviolate(Meaning that he trusts her promise or statement completely; her word cannot be broken or violated. [aɪ noʊ ðət hər wərd ɪz ˌɪnˈvaɪəlɪt]). The photograph is now as safe(The picture is now protected. [ðə ˈfoʊtəˌgræf ɪz naʊ ɛz seɪf]) as if it were in the fire(An idiom meaning completely destroyed or irretrievable; paradoxically, here it means extremely safe. [ɛz ɪf ɪt wər ɪn ðə faɪər]).”
“I am glad(Expressing happiness or pleasure. [aɪ æm glæd]) to hear(To receive information through listening. [tɪ hir]) your Majesty(A formal way of addressing a king or queen. [jʊr ˈmæʤəsti]) say so(To state or express something. [seɪ soʊ]).”
“I am immensely indebted to you(Expressing a great amount of gratitude. [aɪ æm ˌɪˈmɛnsli ˌɪnˈdɛtɪd tɪ ju]). Pray tell me(A polite way of asking someone to do something. [preɪ tɛl mi]) in what way(How; by what means. [ɪn wət weɪ]) I can reward you(How he can show his appreciation through a gift or favor. [aɪ kən rɪˈwɔrd ju]). This ring(Referring to a ring he is about to offer as a reward. [ðɪs rɪŋ-])—” He slipped(To move smoothly or easily. [hi slɪpt]) an emerald snake ring(A ring made of emerald and shaped like a snake. [ən ˈɛmərrəld sneɪk rɪŋ]) from his finger(Taking the ring off his finger. [frəm hɪz ˈfɪŋgər]) and held it out(Extended his hand with the ring. [ənd hɛld ɪt aʊt]) upon the palm of his hand(Showing the ring openly on his open hand. [əˈpɑn ðə pɑm əv hɪz hænd]).
“Your Majesty(A formal way of addressing a king or queen. [jʊr ˈmæʤəsti]) has something(Possesses something. [həz ˈsəmθɪŋ]) which I should value(That he would appreciate. [wɪʧ aɪ ʃʊd ˈvælju]) even more highly(To a greater extent. [ˈivɪn mɔr ˈhaɪli]),” said Holmes(Attributed to the character Holmes. [sɛd hoʊmz]).
“You have but to name it(You only need to say what you want. [ju hæv bət tɪ neɪm ɪt]).”
“This photograph(Emphasis on the photograph, possibly indicating surprise, recognition, or importance. The exclamation point adds to the intensity. [ðɪs ˈfoʊtəˌgræf])!”
The King(A male monarch, the ruler of a kingdom. [ðə kɪŋ]) stared(Looked intently with eyes wide open, often in surprise or shock. [stɛrd]) at him(Referring to a male person previously mentioned. [æt ɪm]) in amazement(Filled with great surprise or wonder. [ɪn əˈmeɪzmənt]).
“Irene’s photograph(The photograph belonging to or associated with a woman named Irene. The exclamation suggests surprise or realization. [ˌaɪˈrinz ˈfoʊtəˌgræf])!” he cried(He exclaimed loudly, indicating strong emotion. [hi kraɪd]). “Certainly, if you wish it(An affirmative response indicating willingness to comply with a request. 'Certainly' expresses agreement, 'if you wish it' adds a condition based on the other person's desire. [ˈsərtənli ɪf ju wɪʃ ɪt]).”
“I thank your Majesty(A formal expression of gratitude directed towards a king or queen. 'Majesty' is a title used when addressing royalty. [aɪ θæŋk jʊr ˈmæʤəsti]). Then(Following in time or order; next. [ðɛn]) there is no more to be done(There is nothing else required or necessary to complete the task. [ðɛr ɪz noʊ mɔr tɪ bi dən]) in the matter(Regarding the subject or situation being discussed. [ɪn ðə ˈmætər]). I have the honour(A polite expression used to introduce a respectful action. [aɪ hæv ðə ˈɑnər]) to wish you(To express a desire for someone's well-being. [tɪ wɪʃ ju]) a very good morning(A polite greeting used in the morning. [ə ˈvɛri gʊd ˈmɔrnɪŋ]).” He bowed(He bent his body forward as a sign of respect. [ hi boʊd]), and(A conjunction used to connect clauses or phrases. [ənd]), turning away(Moving in a direction so as to face away from someone or something. [ˈtərnɪŋ əˈweɪ]) without observing(Without noticing or paying attention to. [wɪˈθaʊt əbˈzərvɪŋ]) the hand(The King's hand. [ðə hænd]) which the King had stretched out to him(The King had extended his hand, possibly as a gesture of farewell or acknowledgement. [wɪʧ ðə kɪŋ hæd strɛʧt aʊt tɪ ɪm]), he set off(He began a journey or started moving. [hi sɛt ɔf]) in my company(Together with the speaker. [ɪn maɪ ˈkəmpəˌni]) for his chambers(Towards his private rooms or office. [fər hɪz ˈʧeɪmbərz]).