A Scandal in Bohemia by Arthur Conan Doyle- page 6

“You had my note?” he asked with a deep harsh voice and a strongly marked German accent. “I told you that I would call.” He looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to address.

• 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,” said Holmes. “This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me in my cases.

• 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]

“You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman.

• 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 that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most extreme importance.

• 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]

I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me back into my chair. “It is both, or none,” said he. “You may say before this gentleman anything which you may say to me.”

• 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 shrugged his broad shoulders. “Then I must begin,” said he, “by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the end of that time the matter will be of no importance.

• 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]

“I promise,” said Holmes.

• 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.”

• And I: Indicates agreement or a similar sentiment to a previous statement. [ənd aɪ]

“You will excuse this mask,” continued our strange visitor. “The august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have just called myself is not exactly my own.”

• 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,” said Holmes dryly.

• 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 are of great delicacy, and every precaution has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Europe.

• 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]

“I was also aware of that,” murmured Holmes, settling himself down in his armchair and closing his eyes.

• 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]
• murmured: spoke in a low, soft, or indistinct voice [ˈmərmərd]
• Holmes: referring to the character Sherlock Holmes [hoʊmz]
• 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 visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe.

• 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]
• 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 slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his gigantic client.

• 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]