Спогади Шерлока Холмса
The Musgrave Ritual
Itisasortofceremonypeculiartoourfamily,whicheachMusgraveforcenturiespasthasgonethroughonhiscomingofage—athingofprivateinterest,andperhapsofsomelittleimportancetothearchaeologist,likeourownblazoningsandcharges,butofnopracticalusewhatever.’
"‘Wehadbettercomebacktothepaperafterwards,"saidI.
"‘Ifyouthinkitreallynecessary,"heansweredwithsomehesitation.‘Tocontinuemystatement,however:Irelockedthebureau,usingthekeywhichBruntonhadleft,andIhadturnedtogowhenIwassurprisedtofindthatthebutlerhadreturned,andwasstandingbeforeme.
"ι"Mr.Musgrave,sir,"hecriedinavoicewhichwashoarsewithemotion,"Ican’tbeardisgrace,sir.I‘vealwaysbeenproudabovemystationinlife,anddisgracewouldkillme.Mybloodwillbeonyourhead,sir—itwill,indeed—ifyoudrivemetodespair.Ifyoucannotkeepmeafterwhathaspassed,thenforGod’ssakeletmegiveyounoticeandleaveinamonth,asifofmyownfreewill.Icouldstandthat,Mr.Musgrave,butnottobecastoutbeforeallthefolkthatIknowsowell."
"ι"Youdon’tdeservemuchconsideration,Brunton,"Ianswered."Yourconducthasbeenmostinfamous.However,asyouhavebeenalongtimeinthefamily,Ihavenowishtobringpublicdisgraceuponyou.Amonth,however,istoolong.Takeyourselfawayinaweek,andgivewhatreasonyoulikeforgoing.
