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(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(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(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]). Be in your chamber(Stay in your room or office [bi ɪn jʊr ˈʧeɪmbər]) then(at that time [ðɛn]) at that hour(at the specified time [æt ðət aʊər]), and do not take it amiss(and do not be offended [ənd du nɑt teɪk ɪt əˈmɪs]) if your visitor wear a mask(if the person visiting you is wearing a mask [ɪf jʊr ˈvɪzɪtər wɛr ə mæsk]).”
“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(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(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(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(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]). What(Used to ask for specific information [wət]) do(Auxiliary verb used to form questions [du]) you(The person being addressed [ju]) deduce(To arrive at a conclusion by reasoning [dɪˈdus]) from(Indicating a starting point [frəm]) it(Refers to the note [ɪt])?”
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(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]). It(Refers to the paper [ɪt]) is(A form of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]) peculiarly(In a way that is strange or odd; unusually [pɪˈkjuljərli]) strong(Having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks [strɔŋ]) and(Used to connect words or clauses [ənd]) stiff(Rigid; not easily bent [stɪf]).”
“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]). (end of the sentence)“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]). (end of the sentence)Hold(to take and keep something in your hand or arms [hoʊld]) it(referring to the paper [ɪt]) up(towards a higher position [əp]) to(preposition indicating direction [tɪ]) the light(a source of illumination [ðə laɪt]).”
I(the speaker [aɪ]) did so(performed the action mentioned previously, which was holding the paper up to the light [dɪd soʊ]), (comma)and(conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]) saw(past tense of 'see', meaning to perceive with the eyes [sɔ]) a large “E” with(preposition indicating accompaniment [wɪθ]) a small “g,” a “P,” and(conjunction [ənd]) a large “G” with(preposition indicating accompaniment [wɪθ]) a small “t” 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]) the paper.
“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]) Holmes.
“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]), (comma)no doubt(expression indicating a strong possibility or belief [noʊ daʊt]); (semicolon)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]), (comma)rather(to a certain extent; somewhat).”
“Not(negation [nɑt]) at all(in any way; used for emphasis). The(definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]) ‘G(referring to the letter G [‘‘g])’ with(preposition indicating accompaniment [wɪθ]) the small ‘t’ 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]), (comma)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]) the ‘Eg.’ 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]), (comma)Eglonitz(a place name [eglonitz])—(dash)here(in or at this place [hir]) we(the speaker and one or more other people [wi]) are(linking verb [ər]), (comma)Egria(a place name). 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])—(dash)in(preposition indicating location [ɪn]) Bohemia(a historical region in Central Europe [boʊˈhimiə]), (comma)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]), (comma)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]), (comma)ha(exclamation of surprise or triumph [hɑ]), (comma)my boy(term of endearment [maɪ bɔɪ]), (comma)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]), (comma)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).