《福尔摩斯探案集·波希米亚丑闻》第36节
“Very truly yours, “IRENE NORTON, née ADLER.” “What a woman—oh, what a woman!” cried the King of Bohemia, when we had all three read this epistle. “Did I not tell you how quick and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?” “From what I have seen of the lady, she seems, indeed, to be on a very different level to your Majesty,” said Holmes coldly. “I am sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty’s business to a more successful conclusion.” “On the contrary, my dear sir,” cried the King; “nothing could be more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire.” “I am glad to hear your Majesty say so.” “I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can reward you. This ring—” He slipped an emerald snake ring from his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. “Your Majesty has something which I should value even more highly,” said Holmes. “You have but to name it.” “This photograph!”
注释摘要
这封信的落款是理解艾琳·艾德勒的关键一笔。她签的是“艾琳·诺顿，本姓艾德勒”。“née”是法语借词，意为“娘家姓为”，在英国上流社会与法律文书中极为常见。一个女子婚后签上夫姓，再补一个“本姓某某”，往往是在声明：我已进入一种新的法律身份，但我不否认自己原有的来历。她这句话写在信末，恰恰是在宣告自己已为人妇，却仍是那个足智多谋的“艾琳·艾德勒”。这是她的胜利…