《福尔摩斯探案集·斑点带子案》第5节
Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small case-book, which he consulted. “Farintosh,” said he. “Ah yes, I recall the case; it was concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the matter.” “Alas!” replied our visitor, “the very horror of my situation lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the dangers which encompass me.”
注释摘要
福尔摩斯转身走向书桌，打开锁，取出一本小小的案件记录册翻阅。他念出一个名字：法林托什。他随即记起那桩案子，涉及一顶蛋白石头饰，并补充说那是在华生到来之前的事。他向委托人承诺，会以同样的用心对待她的案子。关于报酬，他说他的职业本身就是回报，但她可以在任何时候支付他可能产生的开销。接着，他请她把一切有助于形成判断的事情都讲出来。 这位访客没有立刻开始叙述，而是…