11 The Remarkable Incident with Dr. Lanyon

CHAPTER 11 The Remarkable Incident with Dr. Lanyon The police offered thousands of pounds for the arrest of Sir Danvers Carew's murderer. Mr. Hyde, however, was nowhere to be found. It was as if he had dropped off the face of the earth. Not one person had caught even a glimpse of him since the night of the terrible murder. Hyde was certainly the talk

of the city, though. Vile stories of his cruelty and evil deeds were told on every street corner, office, and home. Each was more awful than the last. Utterson thought this was a particularly brutal case. But, oddly, the death of one man, Sir Danvers, resulted in the renewal of another man's spirits. Dr. Jekyll came out of hiding. He saw old friends again. He began hosting parties and attending social engagements. Utterson also noticed that Jekyll had even become more religious. The doctor had always been a charitable man, but was suddenly more devoted to his prayers and attended church services. For two months, Jekyll seemed healthy and happy. Many people commented on how relaxed and at peace he looked. The dinner party that had been announced in the curious invitation was held on the 8th of January. Mr. Utterson and Dr.

Lanyon were both guests. The two men noticed their host's happy face throughout the evening. He was clearly pleased to spend the evening with two of his oldest friends. Certainly he was remembering when the three had been the best of friends. Utterson felt a familiar happiness. He was confident that life was back on track. On the 12th of January, though—and again on the 14th—the door to Jekyll's home was closed to visitors. On both nights Utterson dropped by unannounced. Poole told him that the doctor wished to see no one. When he was rejected again on the 15th, Utterson began to worry. Jekyll was falling back into his old pattern of hiding. Utterson was reminded of the days when Hyde had control over his friend. It was much worse this time, though. It was unusual for Jekyll to cut himself off so completely. Utterson decided to visit Dr.

Lanyon. Perhaps the good doctor would have some advice. Utterson was admitted into Dr. Lanyon's study. He was shocked at what he found. Something awful had affected Lanyon's appearance. He was pale and sickly and looked at death's door. Lanyon looked like he had aged thirty years in the week since Utterson had last seen him. "My word, Lanyon," Utterson said as he stepped closer to his friend. He knelt beside the doctor's chair and took his hand. Utterson came here on a mission to save one friend. It shocked him to think he might have to worry about saving two. "Whatever could be wrong? Where did this sickness come from?" Lanyon shook his head. "No," he said. "I am not ill. I have received a terrible shock. It will be my end, though. My days are numbered."

"Jekyll is ill, too. Have you seen him?" Utterson asked. Lanyon's face changed and he held up a trembling hand. "I wish to see or hear no more of Dr. Jekyll," he said in a loud, unsteady voice. "I am quite done with him. He is dead to me, now." "Tut-tut," said Mr. Utterson. After a considerable pause, the lawyer asked if he could do anything. "We are three old friends," Utterson pleaded. "One can never replace an old and dear friend." "Nothing can be done," returned Lanyon. "Ask him yourself if you need further understanding." "He will not see me," said the lawyer. "I am not surprised," Lanyon said. "Some day, Utterson, after I am dead, you may come to understand some of this story. I cannot tell you. It is far too upsetting. In the meantime, if you would like to sit and talk

about other subjects, then I would love you to stay. If you insist on discussing the case of Dr. Jekyll, then I must ask you to leave immediately." Utterson stayed with his friend. They talked of old times and friends in common, everyone except Dr. Jekyll. After a few hours, the lawyer said good-bye and left his friend alone.