《福尔摩斯探案集·波希米亚丑闻》第11节
“I was aware of it,” said Holmes dryly. “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. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia.” “I was also aware of that,” murmured Holmes, settling himself down in his armchair and closing his eyes. 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. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his gigantic client. “If your Majesty would condescend to state your case,” he remarked, “I should be better able to advise you.” The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. “You are right,” he cried; “I am the King. Why should I attempt to conceal it?” “Why, indeed?” murmured Holmes. “Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.”
注释摘要
这一节是福尔摩斯与那位身材魁梧的委托人之间一次张力极强的交锋，柯南·道尔在这里完成了一个堪称经典的认人场面，同时也演示了福尔摩斯推理方法中极富戏剧性的一面。 字面上发生的事很清楚：当戴着黑色面具、自称波希米亚贵族冯·克拉姆伯爵的委托人再度强调事涉欧洲王室的微妙时，福尔摩斯用极其平淡的语气回应“这我也知道”。委托人试图以“奥姆斯坦家族——波希米亚世袭王室”这…