He(refers to a male person previously mentioned or known [hi]) chuckled(a soft, partly suppressed laugh [ˈʧəkəld]) to himself(done or said to or by oneself [tɪ hɪmˈsɛlf]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) rubbed(to apply pressure and friction to a surface [rəbd]) his(belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) long(of considerable length [lɔŋ]), nervous(anxious or apprehensive [ˈnərvəs]) hands(the terminal part of the human arm beyond the wrist, including the palm and fingers [hænz]) together(in or into one place or group [təˈgɛðər]).
“It is simplicity itself(an emphatic way of saying something is very simple [ɪt ɪz sɪmˈplɪsɪti ˌɪtˈsɛlf]),” said(past tense of 'say', to utter words [sɛd]) he(the male person previously mentioned [hi]); “my(belonging to me [maɪ]) eyes(organs of sight [aɪz]) tell(to communicate information to someone [tɛl]) me(used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself as the object of a verb or preposition [mi]) that(introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]) on(physically supported by something [ɔn]) the(definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]) inside(the inner part or surface of something [ˌɪnˈsaɪd]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) your(belonging to or associated with the person addressed [jʊr]) left(on the west side of a person or thing facing north [lɛft]) shoe(an outer covering for the foot, typically made of leather or plastic [ʃu]), just(exactly [ʤɪst]) where(at or in which place or position [wɛr]) the(definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]) firelight(light from a fire [firelight]) strikes(to hit or impinge on something forcefully [straɪks]) it(referring to the shoe [ɪt]), the(definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]) leather(material made from the skin of an animal by tanning or a similar process [ˈlɛðər]) is scored(is marked with lines or scratches [ɪz skɔrd]) by(indicating the agent performing an action [baɪ]) six(the number 6 [sɪks]) almost(nearly [ˈɔlˌmoʊst]) parallel(side by side and having the same distance continuously between them [ˈpɛrəˌlɛl]) cuts(an opening, incision, or wound made with a sharp-edged tool or object [kəts]). Obviously(in a way that is easily perceived or understood; clearly [ˈɑbviəsli]) they(referring to the cuts [ðeɪ]) have been caused(the reason or explanation for something [hæv bɪn kɔzd]) by(indicating the agent performing an action [baɪ]) someone(an unknown or unspecified person [ˈsəmˌwən]) who(used to introduce a clause giving further information about a person or people previously mentioned [hu]) has(third person singular present of 'have' [həz]) very(in a high degree [ˈvɛri]) carelessly(in a casual or reckless way; without sufficient attention [ˈkɛrlɛsli]) scraped(to clean or smooth (a surface) by rubbing it with something coarse [skreɪpt]) round(surrounding [raʊnd]) the(definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]) edges(the outside limit of an object, area, or surface [ˈɛʤɪz]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) the(definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]) sole(the underside of a foot or shoe [soʊl]) in order to(for the purpose of [ɪn ˈɔrdər tɪ]) remove(take (something) away or off from the position occupied [riˈmuv]) crusted(covered with a hard layer or deposit [ˈkrəstɪd]) mud(soft, sticky matter resulting from the mixing of earth and water [məd]) from(indicating a starting point [frəm]) it(referring to the sole [ɪt]). Hence(as a consequence; for this reason [hɛns]), you(the person or people that the speaker is addressing [ju]) see(perceive with the eyes; discern visually [si]), my(belonging to me [maɪ]) double(twice as much or as many [ˈdəbəl]) deduction(the action of deducting or subtracting something [dɪˈdəkʃən]) that(introducing a clause expressing the content of a statement [ðət]) you(the person or people that the speaker is addressing [ju]) had been(past perfect tense of 'be' [hæd bɪn]) out(away from a place or position [aʊt]) in(expressing the situation of something that is or appears to be enclosed or surrounded by something else [ɪn]) vile(extremely unpleasant [vaɪl]) weather(the state of the atmosphere at a place and time as regards heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc. [ˈwɛðər]), and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) that(introducing a clause expressing the content of a statement [ðət]) you(the person or people that the speaker is addressing [ju]) had(past tense of 'have' [hæd]) a(used to refer to someone or something when mentioning them for the first time [ə]) particularly(to a greater degree than is normal or usual [ˌpɑrˈtɪkjələrli]) malignant(malevolent [məˈlɪgnənt]) boot-slitting(sarcastic term for someone who damages boots [boot-slitting]) specimen(an individual animal, plant, piece of a mineral, etc. used as an example of its species or type for scientific study or display [ˈspɛsəmən]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) the(definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]) London(relating to London [ˈləndən]) slavey(dated term for a young female domestic servant [slavey]). As(used to refer to something when explaining why something else happens or is done [ɛz]) to(expressing direction or location [tɪ]) your(belonging to or associated with the person addressed [jʊr]) practice(the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it [ˈpræktɪs]), if(on the condition that [ɪf]) a(used to refer to someone or something when mentioning them for the first time [ə]) gentleman(a chivalrous, courteous, or honorable man [ˈʤɛnəlmən]) walks(move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn [wɔks]) into(expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else [ˈɪntu]) my(belonging to me [maɪ]) rooms(a space within a building enclosed by walls or partitions [rumz]) smelling(perceiving or detecting odors by means of the olfactory organs [sˈmɛlɪŋ]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) iodoform(a volatile, pale yellow, crystalline organic compound with a penetrating odor, used as an antiseptic [iodoform]), with(accompanied by (another person or thing [wɪθ]) a(used to refer to someone or something when mentioning them for the first time [ə]) black(of the very darkest color owing to the absence of or complete absorption of light [blæk]) mark(a visible impression on a surface [mɑrk]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) nitrate(a salt or ester of nitric acid [ˈnaɪˌtreɪt]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) silver(a lustrous, white, metallic element [ˈsɪlvər]) upon(on [əˈpɑn]) his(belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) right(on the east side of a person or thing facing north [raɪt]) forefinger(the finger next to the thumb [ˈfɔrˌfɪŋgər]), and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) a(used to refer to someone or something when mentioning them for the first time [ə]) bulge(a rounded swelling or protuberance that distorts a flat surface [bəlʤ]) on(physically supported by something [ɔn]) the(definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]) right(on the east side of a person or thing facing north [raɪt]) side(a surface or line bounding a three-dimensional object [saɪd]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) his(belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) top-hat(a man's tall silk hat [top-hat]) to(expressing direction or location [tɪ]) show(allow or cause (something) to be visible [ʃoʊ]) where(at or in which place or position [wɛr]) he has secreted(he has hidden something carefully [hi həz səˈkritəd]) his(belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) stethoscope(a medical instrument for listening to the action of someone's heart or breathing [ˈstɛθəˌskoʊp]), I(used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself [aɪ]) must(expressing necessity or obligation [məst]) be(used to indicate a state or condition [bi]) dull(lacking interest or excitement [dəl]), indeed(used to emphasize a statement or response confirming something already suggested [ˌɪnˈdid]), if(on the condition that [ɪf]) I(used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself [aɪ]) do(used to refer to an action [du]) not(expressing negation [nɑt]) pronounce(declare or announce [prəˈnaʊns]) him(used to refer to a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [ɪm]) to be(used to indicate a state or condition [tɪ bi]) an(used to refer to someone or something when mentioning them for the first time [ən]) active(engaging or ready to engage in physically energetic pursuits [ˈæktɪv]) member(a person, animal, or plant belonging to a particular group or organization [ˈmɛmbər]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) the(definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]) medical(relating to the science or practice of medicine [ˈmɛdɪkəl]) profession(a paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification).”
I(the speaker or writer [aɪ]) could not help(was unable to avoid [kʊd nɑt hɛlp]) laughing(making sounds and facial expressions showing amusement [ˈlæfɪŋ]) at(expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position [æt]) the ease(the state of being without difficulty or effort [ðə iz]) with which(by means of which; how [wɪθ wɪʧ]) he(the person being referred to [hi]) explained(made clear or understandable [ɪkˈspleɪnd]) his process(the method or series of actions used by him [hɪz ˈprɔˌsɛs]) of deduction(the act of reasoning from general principles to a particular conclusion [əv dɪˈdəkʃən]). “When(at the time or occasion that [wɪn]) I(the speaker [aɪ]) hear(perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone or something [hir]) you(the person being addressed [ju]) give(provide or present [gɪv]) your reasons(the explanations or justifications for your actions or beliefs [jʊr ˈrizənz]),” I(the speaker [aɪ]) remarked(said something as a comment [rɪˈmɑrkt]), “the thing(the matter or situation being discussed [ðə θɪŋ]) always(at all times; on every occasion [ˈɔlˌweɪz]) appears(gives the impression of being [əˈpɪrz]) to me(in my opinion or perception [tɪ mi]) to be(linking verb indicating a state or condition [tɪ bi]) so(to such a great extent [soʊ]) ridiculously simple(extremely easy or uncomplicated [rəˈdɪkjələsli ˈsɪmpəl]) that(introducing a result or consequence [ðət]) I(the speaker [aɪ]) could easily(would be able to do without difficulty [kʊd ˈizəli]) do it(perform the action [du ɪt]) myself(by my own efforts [ˌmaɪˈsɛlf]), though(despite the fact that [ðoʊ]) at each successive instance(on every following occasion [æt iʧ səkˈsɛsɪv ˈɪnstəns]) of your reasoning(of your thought process [əv jʊr ˈrizənɪŋ]) I(the speaker [aɪ]) am baffled(am confused or perplexed [æm ˈbæfəld]) until(up to the point in time that [ənˈtɪl]) you(the person being addressed [ju]) explain(make clear or understandable [ɪkˈspleɪn]) your process(the method or series of actions used by you [jʊr ˈprɔˌsɛs]). And yet(Nevertheless; despite that [ənd jɛt]) I(the speaker [aɪ]) believe(accept that something is true [bɪˈliv]) that(introducing a clause [ðət]) my eyes(the organs of sight belonging to me [maɪ aɪz]) are as good as(are equally capable as [ər ɛz gʊd ɛz]) yours(belonging to you [jʊrz]).”
“Quite so(Exactly; indeed [kwaɪt soʊ]),” he(the person being referred to [hi]) answered(responded verbally [ˈænsərd]), lighting(igniting or setting fire to [ˈlaɪtɪŋ]) a cigarette(a thin cylinder of tobacco rolled in paper for smoking [ə ˌsɪgəˈrɛt]), and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) throwing himself down(reclining or sitting in a relaxed manner [θroʊɪŋ hɪmˈsɛlf daʊn]) into(expressing movement or direction into something [ˈɪntu]) an armchair(a comfortable chair with side supports for the arms [ən ˈɑrmˌʧɛr]). “You(the person being addressed [ju]) see(perceive with the eyes [si]), but(used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously [bət]) you(the person being addressed [ju]) do not observe(fail to notice or pay attention to details [du nɑt əbˈzərv]). The distinction(the difference or contrast between similar things or people [ðə dɪˈstɪŋkʃən]) is clear(is easily understood [ɪz klɪr]). For example(as an illustration [fər ɪgˈzæmpəl]), you(the person being addressed [ju]) have frequently(have often [hæv ˈfrikwɛntli]) seen(perceived with the eyes [sin]) the steps(the individual parts of a staircase [ðə stɛps]) which(referring to the steps [wɪʧ]) lead up(go upwards [lɛd əp]) from(indicating the point of departure [frəm]) the hall(the entrance area of a building [ðə hɔl]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) this room(the room being referred to [ðɪs rum]).”
“Frequently(Used to indicate that something occurs often or at short intervals. [ˈfrikwɛntli]).”
“How often(A question asking about the frequency with which something occurs. [haʊ ˈɔfən])?”
“Well(An introductory word, often used to express mild surprise, hesitation, or to begin a response. [wɛl]), some hundreds of times(An indefinite but large number of times, approximately several hundred. [səm ˈhənərdz əv taɪmz]).”
“Then(Indicates a logical consequence or inference. [ðɛn]) how many are there(A question asking about the total quantity or number of something. [haʊ ˈmɛni ər ðɛr])?”
“How many(Repeating the question to show surprise or to gain clarification. [haʊ ˈmɛni])? I don’t know(A statement indicating a lack of knowledge about the quantity. [aɪ doʊnt noʊ]).”
“Quite so(An expression of agreement or confirmation. [kwaɪt soʊ])! You have not observed(You have not paid careful attention or noticed details. [ju hæv nɑt əbˈzərvd]). And yet(Despite what has just been said; nevertheless. [ənd jɛt]) you have seen(You have visually perceived something. [ju hæv sin]). That is just my point(That is exactly what I am trying to emphasize. [ðət ɪz ʤɪst maɪ pɔɪnt]). Now(Used to introduce a new topic or aspect of the discussion. [naʊ]), I know(I have certainty or knowledge. [aɪ noʊ]) that there are seventeen steps(Specifies the exact number of steps. [ðət ðɛr ər ˈsɛvənˈtin stɛps]), because(Explains the reason or cause. [bɪˈkəz]) I have both seen and observed(I have both visually perceived and carefully examined. [aɪ hæv boʊθ sin ənd əbˈzərvd]). By the way(An expression used to introduce a related but slightly different topic. [baɪ ðə weɪ]), since(Because; given that. [sɪns]) you are interested(You have a curiosity or concern. [ju ər ˈɪntəˌrɛstɪd]) in these little problems(Referring to small or minor puzzles or questions. [ɪn ðiz ˈlɪtəl ˈprɑbləmz]), and since(And because; also given that. [ənd sɪns]) you are good enough(You are kind or willing. [ju ər gʊd ɪˈnəf]) to chronicle(To record or write about. [tɪ ˈkrɑnɪkəl]) one or two(A small number; either one or two. [wən ər tu]) of my trifling experiences(Of my unimportant or insignificant events. [əv maɪ ˈtraɪflɪŋ ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz]), you may be interested(You might find something appealing or engaging. [ju meɪ bi ˈɪntəˌrɛstɪd]) in this(Referring to something that is about to be presented. [ɪn ðɪs]).” He threw over(He tossed or passed something. [hi θru ˈoʊvər]) a sheet(A piece of paper. [ə ʃit]) of thick, pink-tinted notepaper(Paper that is thick and has a pink color. [əv θɪk pink-tinted notepaper]) which had been lying open(Which was unfolded and visible. [wɪʧ hæd bɪn laɪɪŋ ˈoʊpən]) upon the table(On the surface of the table. [əˈpɑn ðə ˈteɪbəl]). “It came(It arrived. [ɪt keɪm]) by the last post(In the most recent mail delivery. [baɪ ðə læst poʊst]),” said he(He stated. [sɛd hi]). “Read it aloud(Say the words in a voice loud enough to be heard. [rɛd ɪt əˈlaʊd]).”