13 Incident at the Window

CHAPTER 13 Incident at the Window Despite the strange events of recent months, Utterson never missed his Sunday walk with Mr. Enfield. The lawyer took great pleasure in this ritual. There were times when he felt it was this connection to the world that kept him sane. His life had been so confusing and difficult, worrying over Jekyll's health. These walks reminded him of

the time when his life felt normal. He missed his daily routines. Worrying so much about his friend was very tiring. Mr. Utterson hoped he would soon return to his simple life of quiet evenings at home and dinner parties with friends. He hoped that Jekyll would be better soon. On one of these journeys, Utterson and Enfield once again happened upon the door where this story began. They both stopped to look at it. The door was still in need of a fresh coat of paint and the lock was damaged. It looked as though someone had tried to pry it open. Mr. Utterson thought about how much his life had changed since Enfield had first shown him this door. In a strange way, he felt responsible. Although he knew it made no sense, Utterson wondered if just hearing that story had led to everything that followed. Perhaps seeking out Hyde and looking for answers had caused more harm

than good for Dr. Jekyll. Maybe Hyde had made things difficult for him. Jekyll might still be suffering the ill effects of Hyde's abuse and blackmail. Utterson was learning to accept that he might never know the truth. "Well," said Mr. Enfield, "at least that story is at an end. We will hear no more of Mr. Hyde." The citizens of London still discussed the disappearance of Hyde. Nothing had been seen of him since the murder of Sir Danvers Crew. Many newspaper writers thought Hyde must have left England. There were rumors of sightings in Germany and France. One report had Hyde as far away as China, but there was no proof. Other people thought the criminal had escaped to Scotland. Then there were those people who thought he was still in London. They were certain that Hyde was waiting for right moment to come back and

attack his next victim. "I hope you are right," said Mr. Utterson. "Did I ever tell you that I met him once? I shared your feeling of disgust." "I think it would be impossible not to," Enfield replied. "And, by the way, I apologize for not realizing sooner that this door was a back way into Dr. Jekyll's house. I knew he was your dear friend, of course, but I did not realize while I was telling you that upsetting story that the house belonged to Jekyll. I am deeply sorry if I offended you." "Do not trouble yourself," Utterson said. "I must tell you, I am quite worried about Jekyll. He has not been well for some time. Would you mind if we stepped into the courtyard of his building?" Utterson asked. "I'd like to take a look at the windows." "Of course," Enfield replied. "Perhaps we could encourage Jekyll to join us on our walk. The more the merrier, I say."

The courtyard was cool and a little damp. Although the afternoon sun was still high in the sky, twilight shadows fell inside the court. Dr. Jekyll's staff was careful about cleaning the courtyard and tending the flowers. Normally, it was filled with green plants and colorful flowers. Utterson had spent many a happy afternoon sitting with Jekyll in the courtyard, talking for hours. On this day, though, it looked lonely from neglect. The leaves had turned brown from lack of water. There were no flowers to enjoy. Grass and weeds grew around the stones in the footpath. The birdbath was empty. Utterson knew this was not a good sign. Jekyll would never allow the yard to look so messy if he was healthy and happy. The two men looked up at the windows above the laboratory. The middle one was slightly open. Sitting close behind it, slumped in a chair, was Dr. Jekyll.

"Hello! Jekyll!" Utterson called. "I trust you are feeling better?" The doctor turned slowly toward the voice in the courtyard. He looked confused, as if he had no idea there was a world beyond his window. His eyes softened as he recognized his old friend. "I am very low, Utterson," replied the doctor drearily. "Very low, indeed. It will not last long, thank God."