A Scandal in Bohemia by Arthur Conan Doyle- page 4

The note was undated, and without either signature or address.

• The note: Refers to a written message [ðə noʊt]
• was undated: meaning the note did not have a date written on it [wɑz ˌənˈdeɪtɪd]
• and: used to connect two similar or related elements [ənd]
• without: lacking or not having something [wɪˈθaʊt]
• either: used to indicate that two things are being considered [ˈiðər]
• signature: a person's name written in a distinctive way as authorization [ˈsɪgnəʧər]
• or: used to connect two alternatives [ər]
• address: the particulars of the place where someone lives or an organization is situated [ˈæˌdrɛs]

“There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight o’clock,” it said, “a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a matter of the very deepest moment.

• There will call: An archaic way of saying 'someone will come' [ðɛr wɪl kɔl]
• upon you: to visit you [əˈpɑn ju]
• to-night: archaic form of 'tonight', meaning this evening or night [to-night]
• at a quarter to eight o’clock: 15 minutes before 8 o'clock, or 7:45 PM [æt ə kˈwɔrtər tɪ eɪt əˈklɑk]
• it said: indicates that the following words are a direct quote from the note [ɪt sɛd]
• a gentleman: a polite or formal way to refer to a man [ə ˈʤɛnəlmən]
• who desires: who wants or wishes [hu dɪˈzaɪərz]
• to consult you: to seek advice or information from you [tɪ kənˈsəlt ju]
• upon a matter: regarding a subject or issue [əˈpɑn ə ˈmætər]
• of the very deepest moment: of extreme importance or significance [əv ðə ˈvɛri ˈdipəst ˈmoʊmənt]

Your recent services to one of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which can hardly be exaggerated.

• Your recent services: The help or assistance you provided recently [jʊr ˈrisənt ˈsərvɪsɪz]
• to one of the royal houses of Europe: to a European royal family [tɪ wən əv ðə rɔɪəl ˈhaʊsɪz əv ˈjʊrəp]
• have shown: have demonstrated or proven [hæv ʃoʊn]
• that you are one: that you are a person [ðət ju ər wən]
• who may safely be trusted: who can be relied upon with confidence [hu meɪ ˈseɪfli bi ˈtrəstɪd]
• with matters: regarding issues or affairs [wɪθ ˈmætərz]
• which are of an importance: that are very important [wɪʧ ər əv ən ˌɪmˈpɔrtəns]
• which can hardly be exaggerated: that are so significant that their importance cannot be overstated [wɪʧ kən ˈhɑrdli bi ɪgˈzæʤərˌeɪtɪd]

This account of you we have from all quarters received.

• This account of you: This description or opinion of you [ðɪs əˈkaʊnt əv ju]
• we have from all quarters received: we have received from various sources or people [wi hæv frəm ɔl kˈwɔrtərz rɪˈsivd]

“This is indeed a mystery,” I remarked. “What do you imagine that it means?”

• This: Refers to something specific being discussed or pointed out [ðɪs]
• is: A form of the verb 'to be', indicating existence or a state [ɪz]
• indeed: In truth; in reality; certainly [ˌɪnˈdid]
• a mystery: Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain [ə ˈmɪstəri]
• I: The speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]
• remarked: Said; commented; made a statement [rɪˈmɑrkt]
• What: An interrogative word used to ask for specific information [wət]
• do: Auxiliary verb used to form questions or emphasize the verb [du]
• you: The person being addressed [ju]
• imagine: To form a mental image or concept of something [ˌɪˈmæʤən]
• that: Used to introduce a subordinate clause [ðət]
• it: Refers to the mystery mentioned earlier [ɪt]
• means: Signifies; indicates; represents [minz]

“I have no data yet.

• I: The speaker [aɪ]
• have: To possess or hold [hæv]
• no: Not any; none [noʊ]
• data: Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis [ˈdætə]
• yet: Up to this point in time; so far [jɛt]

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data.

• It: Refers to theorizing before having data [ɪt]
• is: A form of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
• a capital mistake: A serious or grave error [ə ˈkæpɪtəl mɪˈsteɪk]
• to theorise: To form a theory or conjecture about a subject [tɪ theorise]
• before: Ahead of in time or order [ˌbiˈfɔr]
• one: A person; an individual [wən]
• has: Present tense third-person singular of 'have' [həz]
• data: Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis [ˈdætə]

Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.

• Insensibly: In a way that is not easily perceived or felt [insensibly]
• one: A person; an individual [wən]
• begins: Starts; commences [bɪˈgɪnz]
• to twist: To distort or misrepresent [tɪ twɪst]
• facts: Things that are known to be true [fækts]
• to suit: To be convenient for; to be appropriate for [tɪ sut]
• theories: A supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something [ˈθɪriz]
• instead of: In place of; rather than [ˌɪnˈstɛd əv]
• theories: A supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something [ˈθɪriz]
• to suit: To be convenient for; to be appropriate for [tɪ sut]
• facts: Things that are known to be true [fækts]

But the note itself.

• But: Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something already said [bət]
• the note: A brief record of something written down to assist the memory or for future reference [ðə noʊt]
• itself: In its intrinsic nature; even without help [ˌɪtˈsɛlf]

I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was written.

• I: The speaker [aɪ]
• carefully: In a thorough and attentive way; taking care to avoid mistakes or damage [ˈkɛrfəli]
• examined: Inspected in detail [ɪgˈzæmənd]
• the writing: The act or style of forming letters or words on a surface [ðə ˈraɪtɪŋ]
• and: Used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• the paper: A substance made from wood pulp or other fibrous materials, used for writing or printing on [ðə ˈpeɪpər]
• upon: On; on top of [əˈpɑn]
• which: Relative pronoun referring to the paper [wɪʧ]
• it: Refers to the writing [ɪt]
• was written: Marked down on paper [wɑz ˈrɪtən]

“The man who wrote it was presumably well to do,” I remarked, endeavouring to imitate my companion’s processes. “Such paper could not be bought under half a crown a packet.

• The man: A male human being [ðə mæn]
• who: Relative pronoun referring to the man [hu]
• wrote: Past tense of 'write'; to mark letters or words on a surface [roʊt]
• it: Refers to the note [ɪt]
• was: Past tense of 'is' [wɑz]
• presumably: Used to convey that what is asserted is very likely though not known for certain [prɪˈzuməbli]
• well to do: Wealthy; affluent [wɛl tɪ du]
• I: The speaker [aɪ]
• remarked: Said; commented [rɪˈmɑrkt]
• endeavouring: Trying; attempting [endeavouring]
• to imitate: To copy or mimic [tɪ ˈɪməˌteɪt]
• my: Belonging to the speaker [maɪ]
• companion’s: A person with whom one spends a lot of time or with whom one travels [companions]
• processes: A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end [ˈprɑsɛsəz]
• Such: Of the type previously mentioned [səʧ]
• paper: Material used for writing [ˈpeɪpər]
• could: Past tense of 'can'; indicating possibility [kʊd]
• not: Negation [nɑt]
• be bought: To acquire by paying for it [bi bɔt]
• under: Less than [ˈəndər]
• half a crown: A former British coin worth two shillings and sixpence [hæf ə kraʊn]
• a packet: A small container or envelope, often containing a quantity of something [ə ˈpækɪt]

“Peculiar—that is the very word,” said Holmes.

• Peculiar—that: Strange or odd - that [peculiar-that]
• is: a linking verb, indicating equivalence [ɪz]
• the very word: the precise or exact word to describe something [ðə ˈvɛri wərd]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• Holmes: the character's name [hoʊmz]

“It is not an English paper at all.

• It: referring to the paper [ɪt]
• is: linking verb [ɪz]
• not: negation [nɑt]
• an English paper: a paper made in England [ən ˈɪŋlɪʃ ˈpeɪpər]
• at all: in any way; used for emphasis [æt ɔl]

I did so, and saw a large “E” with a small “g,” a “P,” and a large “G” with a small “t” woven into the texture of the paper.

• I: the speaker [aɪ]
• did so: performed the action mentioned previously, which was holding the paper up to the light [dɪd soʊ]
• and: conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
• saw: past tense of 'see', meaning to perceive with the eyes [sɔ]
• with: preposition indicating accompaniment [wɪθ]
• and: conjunction [ənd]
• with: preposition indicating accompaniment [wɪθ]
• woven: past participle of 'weave', meaning interlaced [ˈwoʊvən]
• into: preposition indicating inclusion [ˈɪntu]
• the texture: the feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or a substance [ðə ˈtɛksʧər]
• of: preposition indicating belonging [əv]

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

• What: interrogative pronoun used to ask for information [wət]
• do: auxiliary verb used to form a question [du]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• make: to create or produce; to think or conclude [meɪk]
• of: preposition indicating association [əv]
• that: referring to the symbols on the paper [ðət]
• asked: past tense of 'ask', indicating who is speaking [æst]

“The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather.”

• The: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• name: a word or words by which someone or something is known [neɪm]
• of: preposition indicating belonging [əv]
• the maker: the person or company that produced something [ðə ˈmeɪkər]
• no doubt: expression indicating a strong possibility or belief [noʊ daʊt]
• or: conjunction introducing an alternative [ər]
• his: possessive pronoun referring to the maker [hɪz]
• monogram: a design consisting of two or more interwoven initials [ˈmɑnəˌgræm]
• rather: to a certain extent; somewhat

“Not at all.

• Not: negation [nɑt]
• at all: in any way; used for emphasis

The ‘G’ with the small ‘t’ stands for ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German for ‘Company.’ It is a customary contraction like our ‘Co.’ ‘P,’ of course, stands for ‘Papier.’ Now for the ‘Eg.’ Let us glance at our Continental Gazetteer.” He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. “Eglow, Eglonitz—here we are, Egria.

• The: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• G: referring to the letter G [‘‘g]
• with: preposition indicating accompaniment [wɪθ]
• stands: to be in or assume a specified position or state [stændz]
• for: representing or denoting [fər]
• Gesellschaft: German word for 'company' or 'society' [‘‘gesellschaft]
• which: relative pronoun referring to 'Gesellschaft' [wɪʧ]
• is: linking verb [ɪz]
• the German: referring to the German language [ðə ˈʤərmən]
• for: meaning 'equivalent to' in another language [fər]
• Company: a commercial business [‘‘company]
• It: referring to the contraction [ɪt]
• is: linking verb [ɪz]
• a customary contraction: a shortened form of a word or phrase that is commonly used [ə ˈkəstəˌmɛri kənˈtrækʃən]
• like: similar to [laɪk]
• our: belonging to us [ɑr]
• Co: abbreviation for 'Company' [‘‘co]
• P: referring to the letter P [‘‘p]
• of course: as might be expected; naturally [əv kɔrs]
• stands: to represent or denote [stændz]
• for: representing or denoting [fər]
• Papier: German word for 'paper' [‘‘papier]
• Now: at the present time [naʊ]
• for: in regard to [fər]
• Let: used to express a suggestion or proposal [lɛt]
• us: the speaker and one or more other people [ˈjuˈɛs]
• glance: take a brief or hurried look [glæns]
• at: preposition indicating direction [æt]
• our: belonging to us [ɑr]
• Continental Gazetteer: a geographical dictionary of the European continent
• He: referring to Holmes [hi]
• took down: removed from a high place [tʊk daʊn]
• a heavy brown volume: a thick book with a brown cover [ə ˈhɛvi braʊn ˈvɑljum]
• from: indicating the source or origin [frəm]
• his: belonging to him [hɪz]
• shelves: horizontal boards used to hold books or other items
• Eglow: a place name [eglow]
• Eglonitz: a place name [eglonitz]
• here: in or at this place [hir]
• we: the speaker and one or more other people [wi]
• are: linking verb [ər]
• Egria: a place name

It is in a German-speaking country—in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. ‘Remarkable as being the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous glass-factories and paper-mills.’ Ha, ha, my boy, what do you make of that?” His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue triumphant cloud from his cigarette.

• It: referring to Egria [ɪt]
• is: linking verb [ɪz]
• in: preposition indicating location [ɪn]
• a German-speaking country: a country where German is spoken [ə german-speaking ˈkəntri]
• in: preposition indicating location [ɪn]
• Bohemia: a historical region in Central Europe [boʊˈhimiə]
• not: negation [nɑt]
• far: at a great distance [fɑr]
• from: preposition indicating distance [frəm]
• Carlsbad: a town in the Czech Republic, known as Karlovy Vary
• Remarkable: worthy of attention; striking [‘‘remarkable]
• as: in the capacity or role of [ɛz]
• being: existing or occurring [biɪŋ]
• the scene: the place where an event occurs [ðə sin]
• of: preposition indicating association [əv]
• the death: the end of life [ðə dɛθ]
• of: preposition indicating association [əv]
• Wallenstein: a historical figure [ˈwɔlənˌstin]
• and: conjunction [ənd]
• for: because of [fər]
• its: belonging to it [ɪts]
• numerous: many [ˈnumərəs]
• glass-factories: factories that produce glass [glass-factories]
• and: conjunction [ənd]
• paper-mills: factories that produce paper [paper-mills]
• Ha: exclamation of surprise or triumph [hɑ]
• ha: exclamation of surprise or triumph [hɑ]
• my boy: term of endearment [maɪ bɔɪ]
• what: interrogative pronoun used to ask for information [wət]
• do: auxiliary verb used to form a question [du]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• make: to create or produce; to think or conclude [meɪk]
• of: preposition indicating association [əv]
• that: referring to the information about Egria [ðət]
• His: belonging to him [hɪz]
• eyes: organs of sight [aɪz]
• sparkled: shone brightly [ˈspɑrkəld]
• and: conjunction [ənd]
• he: referring to Holmes [hi]
• sent up: caused to rise [sɛnt əp]
• a great blue triumphant cloud: a large cloud of smoke, indicating victory or success [ə greɪt blu traɪˈəmfənt klaʊd]
• from: indicating the source or origin [frəm]
• his: belonging to him [hɪz]
• cigarette: a thin cylinder of tobacco that is smoked