3 Visiting Dr. Jekyll

Chapter 3 Visiting Dr. Jekyll Utterson barely slept that night. The leering face of Edward Hyde haunted his dreams. He saw those burning eyes and that cruel, sneering smile. The bedroom rang with the man's mocking laugh.

The following morning, he took a carriage to Henry Jekyll's house, a marble-stepped mansion with flowers hanging by the door. Inside, the doctor greeted Utterson with a friendly handshake and beaming smile. As they ate breakfast together, Utterson studied his old friend. He was the same age as Utterson and Lanyon, but always seemed ten years younger. He certainly didn't look like a man stalked by a sinister enemy. But Utterson had to be sure... "I want to talk about that will of yours," he announced over coffee.

Jekyll's smile vanished. "I asked you never to speak of it Utterson," he said. "And I hoped not to," Utterson told him. "Except I have since heard more about this man Edward Hyde. Henry, what I heard was abominable." "I am aware that you met him," Jekyll said, "and that he was uncivil to you." "Uncivil? This man is a fiend Henry. And yet you have left him your entire fortune in your will. Tell me what hold he has over you."

Jekyll rose. The firelight cast his shadow long and monstrous across the wall. "I cannot tell you," he said. "All I can say is that I fear there will soon come a time when I am no longer here. In that case, promise me you will give everything I own to Edward Hyde. Help me Utterson, if not as my lawyer, then as my friend." How could Utterson refuse? Picking up his hat and cane, he left the doctor alone. "I can't pretend I shall ever like Hyde," he said as he went. "But I promise."