“You had my note(A question indicating the speaker wants to know if the listener received the note they sent. [ju hæd maɪ noʊt])?” he asked(Indicates the speaker is male and is posing a question. [hi æst]) with a deep harsh voice(Describes the quality of the speaker's voice as low-pitched and rough. [wɪθ ə dip hɑrʃ vɔɪs]) and a strongly marked German accent(Indicates the speaker has a noticeable German way of pronouncing words. [ənd ə ˈstrɔŋli mɑrkt ˈʤərmən ˈækˌsɛnt]). “I told you(The speaker is reminding the listener of a previous statement. [aɪ toʊld ju]) that I would call(The speaker informed the listener that they would make a phone call. [ðət aɪ wʊd kɔl]).” He looked(The speaker directed his gaze. [hi lʊkt]) from one to the other of us(The speaker looked at each person present, alternating between them. [frəm wən tɪ ðə ˈəðər əv ˈjuˈɛs]), as if uncertain(The speaker's behavior suggests doubt or hesitation. [ɛz ɪf ənˈsərtən]) which to address(The speaker is unsure of who to speak to. [wɪʧ tɪ ˈæˌdrɛs]).
“Pray take a seat(A polite request for someone to sit down. 'Pray' is an older, more formal way of saying 'please'. [preɪ teɪk ə sit]),” said Holmes(Indicates that the speaker is Holmes. [sɛd hoʊmz]). “This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson(Introducing Dr. Watson as both a friend and professional associate. [ðɪs ɪz maɪ frɛnd ənd ˈkɑlig ˈdɑktər ˈwɑtsən]), who is occasionally good enough(Expressing gratitude for Dr. Watson's willingness to assist. [hu ɪz ɔˈkeɪʒənəˌli gʊd ɪˈnəf]) to help me in my cases(Dr. Watson provides assistance with Holmes' investigations. [tɪ hɛlp mi ɪn maɪ ˈkeɪsɪz]). Whom have I the honour to address(A formal way of asking someone their name. 'Whom' is the object form of 'who', used in formal contexts. [hum hæv aɪ ðə ˈɑnər tɪ ˈæˌdrɛs])?”
“You may address me(You can call me. [ju meɪ ˈæˌdrɛs mi]) as the Count Von Kramm(The speaker is identifying himself as Count Von Kramm. [ɛz ðə kaʊnt vɔn kræm]), a Bohemian nobleman(Specifies the speaker's nationality and aristocratic rank. [ə boʊˈhimiən ˈnoʊbəlmən]). I understand(Indicates the speaker's comprehension or belief. [aɪ ˌəndərˈstænd]) that this gentleman, your friend(Referring to Dr. Watson. [ðət ðɪs ˈʤɛnəlmən jʊr frɛnd]), is a man of honour and discretion(Characterizing Dr. Watson as trustworthy and judicious. [ɪz ə mæn əv ˈɑnər ənd dɪˈskrɛʃən]), whom I may trust(Expressing the speaker's willingness to confide in Dr. Watson. [hum aɪ meɪ trəst]) with a matter of the most extreme importance(The speaker has a very serious and significant issue to discuss. [wɪθ ə ˈmætər əv ðə moʊst ɪkˈstrim ˌɪmˈpɔrtəns]). If not(If the previous condition is not met. [ɪf nɑt]), I should much prefer(Expressing a strong preference. [aɪ ʃʊd məʧ prɪˈfər]) to communicate with you alone(The speaker would rather speak only with Holmes. [tɪ kəmˈjunəˌkeɪt wɪθ ju əˈloʊn]).”
I(first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]) rose(past tense of 'rise', meaning to get up or stand [roʊz]) to go(in order to leave [tɪ goʊ]), but(conjunction indicating contrast [bət]) Holmes(referring to Sherlock Holmes, a character [hoʊmz]) caught(past tense of 'catch', meaning to seize or grab [kɔt]) me(objective form of 'I', referring to the speaker [mi]) by(preposition indicating location or means [baɪ]) the wrist(the joint between the hand and the forearm [ðə rɪst]) and(conjunction connecting two actions [ənd]) pushed(past tense of 'push', meaning to exert force to move something away [pʊʃt]) me(objective form of 'I', referring to the speaker [mi]) back(adverb indicating a return to a previous position [bæk]) into(preposition indicating movement to an enclosed space [ˈɪntu]) my(possessive adjective, belonging to the speaker [maɪ]) chair(a seat with a back and legs [ʧɛr]). “It is(a statement of fact or condition [ɪt ɪz]) both(referring to two things or options together [boʊθ]), or(conjunction indicating a choice between alternatives [ər]) none(not any; not one [nən]),” said(past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]) he(third-person singular pronoun, referring to Holmes [hi]). “You(second-person singular pronoun, referring to the person being addressed [ju]) may(auxiliary verb indicating possibility or permission [meɪ]) say(to utter words [seɪ]) before(preposition indicating presence in front of [ˌbiˈfɔr]) this(demonstrative adjective, referring to something nearby [ðɪs]) gentleman(a polite term for a man [ˈʤɛnəlmən]) anything(any thing; something unspecified [ˈɛniˌθɪŋ]) which(relative pronoun referring to something previously mentioned [wɪʧ]) you(second-person singular pronoun, referring to the person being addressed [ju]) may(auxiliary verb indicating possibility or permission [meɪ]) say(to utter words [seɪ]) to(preposition indicating direction or recipient [tɪ]) me(objective form of 'I', referring to the speaker [mi]).”
The Count(Referring to a nobleman [ðə kaʊnt]) shrugged(moved (the shoulders) up and down to express doubt, ignorance, or indifference [ʃrəgd]) his(belonging to the Count [hɪz]) broad(wide [brɔd]) shoulders(the part of the body to which the arms are attached [ˈʃoʊldərz]). “Then(at that time; after that [ðɛn]) I(first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]) must(expressing necessity or obligation [məst]) begin(to start [bɪˈgɪn]),” said(past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]) he(third-person singular pronoun, referring to the Count [hi]), “by(preposition indicating means or method [baɪ]) binding(obligating or committing [ˈbaɪndɪŋ]) you(second-person plural pronoun, referring to the people being addressed [ju]) both(referring to two people together [boʊθ]) to(preposition indicating direction or purpose [tɪ]) absolute(complete; total [ˈæbsəˌlut]) secrecy(the state of keeping something secret [ˈsikrəsi]) for(preposition indicating duration [fər]) two years(a period of 24 months [tu jɪrz]); at(preposition indicating a specific time [æt]) the end(the final part [ðə ɛnd]) of(preposition indicating belonging or association [əv]) that time(the specified period [ðət taɪm]) the matter(the issue or situation being discussed [ðə ˈmætər]) will be(future tense of 'to be', indicating a future state [wɪl bi]) of(preposition indicating association [əv]) no importance(not significant or relevant [noʊ ˌɪmˈpɔrtəns]). At present(currently; now [æt ˈprɛzənt]) it(referring to the matter being discussed [ɪt]) is(present tense of 'to be', indicating a current state [ɪz]) not(negation [nɑt]) too much(excessive [tu məʧ]) to say(to express in words [tɪ seɪ]) that(conjunction introducing a clause [ðət]) it(referring to the matter being discussed [ɪt]) is(present tense of 'to be', indicating a current state [ɪz]) of(preposition indicating association [əv]) such weight(of such significance or importance [səʧ weɪt]) it(referring to the matter being discussed [ɪt]) may(auxiliary verb indicating possibility [meɪ]) have(to possess or experience [hæv]) an influence(an effect or impact [ən ˈɪnfluəns]) upon(preposition indicating effect or impact [əˈpɑn]) European history(the recorded events of Europe [ˌjʊrəˈpiən ˈhɪstəri]).”
“I(first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]) promise(a declaration assuring that one will do something or that something is the case [ˈprɑməs]),” said(past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]) Holmes(referring to Sherlock Holmes, a character [hoʊmz]).
“And I(Indicates agreement or a similar sentiment to a previous statement. [ənd aɪ]).”
“You will excuse(A polite way of asking for forgiveness or understanding for something. [ju wɪl ɪkˈskjuz]) this mask(Referring to a mask that the speaker is wearing. [ðɪs mæsk]),” continued(The speaker went on to say. [kənˈtɪnjud]) our strange visitor(Referring to the person who is speaking, who is described as strange. [ɑr streɪnʤ ˈvɪzɪtər]). “The august person(Referring to someone important and respected. [ðə ˈɔgəst ˈpərsən]) who employs me(The person who gives the speaker work or a job. [hu ɪmˈplɔɪz mi]) wishes(Desires or wants. [ˈwɪʃɪz]) his agent(A person who acts on behalf of someone else. [hɪz ˈeɪʤənt]) to be unknown to you(Wants the agent's identity to be kept secret from the listener. [tɪ bi ənˈnoʊn tɪ ju]), and I may confess(Admitting something. [ənd aɪ meɪ kənˈfɛs]) at once(Immediately. [æt wəns]) that the title(The name or designation. [ðət ðə ˈtaɪtəl]) by which I have just called myself(The name the speaker has used to refer to himself. [baɪ wɪʧ aɪ hæv ʤɪst kɔld ˌmaɪˈsɛlf]) is not exactly my own(The speaker admits that the name he used is not his real name. [ɪz nɑt ɪgˈzæktli maɪ oʊn]).”
“I was aware of it(The speaker knew about something previously mentioned. [aɪ wɑz əˈwɛr əv ɪt]),” said Holmes(Attribution to the character Holmes. [sɛd hoʊmz]) dryly(Said in a sarcastic or unemotional tone. [ˈdraɪli]).
“The circumstances(The facts or conditions related to a particular event or situation. [ðə ˈsərkəmˌstænsɪz]) are of great delicacy(The situation is sensitive and requires careful handling. [ər əv greɪt ˈdɛlɪkəsi]), and every precaution(All possible measures. [ənd ˈɛvəri priˈkɔʃən]) has to be taken(Must be implemented. [həz tɪ bi ˈteɪkən]) to quench(To suppress or put an end to. [tɪ kwɛnʧ]) what might grow to be(Something that could potentially become. [wət maɪt groʊ tɪ bi]) an immense scandal(A very large and damaging public controversy. [ən ˌɪˈmɛns ˈskændəl]) and seriously compromise(To damage or weaken. [ənd ˈsɪriəsli ˈkɑmprəˌmaɪz]) one of the reigning families(A royal family that is currently in power. [wən əv ðə ˈreɪnɪŋ ˈfæməliz]) of Europe(Located in Europe. [əv ˈjʊrəp]). To speak plainly(To be direct and clear. [tɪ spik ˈpleɪnli]), the matter implicates(The issue involves. [ðə ˈmætər ˈɪmplɪˌkeɪts]) the great House of Ormstein(A noble or royal family named Ormstein. [ðə greɪt haʊs əv ormstein]), hereditary kings(Kings who inherit their position. [hərˈɛdəˌtɛri kɪŋz]) of Bohemia(Referring to the kingdom of Bohemia. [əv boʊˈhimiə]).”
“I(first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]) was(past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]) also(in addition; as well [ˈɔlsoʊ]) aware(having knowledge or perception of something [əˈwɛr]) of(expressing the relationship between two things, indicating what the awareness is directed towards [əv]) that(referring to something previously mentioned or understood [ðət]),” (end of the quote)murmured(spoke in a low, soft, or indistinct voice [ˈmərmərd]) Holmes(referring to the character Sherlock Holmes [hoʊmz]), (punctuation mark used to separate parts of a sentence)settling(making oneself comfortable [ˈsɛtəlɪŋ]) himself(reflexive pronoun, referring back to Holmes [hɪmˈsɛlf]) down(indicating a downward movement or position [daʊn]) in(expressing location or position within something [ɪn]) his(possessive pronoun, referring to Holmes [hɪz]) armchair(a comfortable chair with armrests [ˈɑrmˌʧɛr]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) closing(shutting [ˈkloʊzɪŋ]) his(possessive pronoun, referring to Holmes [hɪz]) eyes(organs of sight [aɪz]).
Our(belonging to us [ɑr]) visitor(someone who visits [ˈvɪzɪtər]) glanced(took a brief or hurried look [glænst]) with(accompanied by [wɪθ]) some(an unspecified amount or degree of [səm]) apparent(clearly visible or understood; seeming real or true [əˈpɛrənt]) surprise(a feeling of wonder or astonishment [səˈpraɪz]) at(expressing direction or location [æt]) the(definite article, referring to a specific person or thing [ðə]) languid(slow and relaxed [ˈlæŋgwəd]), (punctuation mark used to separate parts of a sentence)lounging(reclining or relaxing in a comfortable way [ˈlaʊnʤɪŋ]) figure(the form or appearance of a person [ˈfɪgjər]) of(expressing the relationship between two things [əv]) the(definite article, referring to a specific person or thing [ðə]) man(an adult male human being [mæn]) who(relative pronoun, referring to the man [hu]) had(auxiliary verb, forming the past perfect tense [hæd]) been(past participle of 'to be' [bɪn]) no(not any [noʊ]) doubt(a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction [daʊt]) depicted(represented or shown in a picture or story [dɪˈpɪktɪd]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) him(pronoun, referring to the visitor [ɪm]) as(used to indicate the role or capacity in which someone or something is known [ɛz]) the(definite article, referring to a specific person or thing [ðə]) most(to the greatest degree [moʊst]) incisive(intelligently analytical and clear-thinking [ˌɪnˈsaɪsɪv]) reasoner(a person who uses reason or logic [ˈrizənər]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) most(to the greatest degree [moʊst]) energetic(showing or involving great activity or vitality [ˌɛnərˈʤɛtɪk]) agent(a person who acts on behalf of another person or group [ˈeɪʤənt]) in(expressing location or position within something [ɪn]) Europe(a continent [ˈjʊrəp]). Holmes(referring to the character Sherlock Holmes [hoʊmz]) slowly(at a slow pace; not quickly [sˈloʊli]) reopened(opened again [riˈoʊpənd]) his(possessive pronoun, referring to Holmes [hɪz]) eyes(organs of sight [aɪz]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) looked(used one's eyes to see [lʊkt]) impatiently(in a way that shows irritation or annoyance [ˌɪmˈpeɪʃəntli]) at(expressing direction or location [æt]) his(possessive pronoun, referring to Holmes [hɪz]) gigantic(of very great size or extent; huge or enormous [ʤaɪˈgænɪk]) client(a person who uses the services of a professional person or organization [klaɪənt]).