《福尔摩斯探案集·铜山毛榉案》第12节
“‘JEPHRO RUCASTLE.’ “That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the whole matter to your consideration.” “Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the question,” said Holmes, smiling. “But you would not advise me to refuse?” “I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to see a sister of mine apply for.” “What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?” “Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself formed some opinion?” “Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an outbreak?” “That is a possible solution—in fact, as matters stand, it is the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a nice household for a young lady.”
注释摘要
福尔摩斯听完信的内容，先笑了一下，说既然你已经下定决心，这件事也就定了。这话乍听像是认可，实则是一种温和的退后一步——他不打算替一个已经做出决定的人再做无谓的劝说。但维奥莱特·亨特小姐立刻追问了一句：那么，您是不建议我拒绝这份工作了？这一问，把球又踢了回来。福尔摩斯的回答很值得玩味：我得坦白，这不是我愿意看到自己的姐妹去申请的那种职位。他不是从侦探的逻辑说…