6 Dr. Jekyll Was Quite at Ease

CHAPTER 6 Dr. Jekyll Was Quite at Ease Two weeks later Dr. Jekyll gave a dinner party for a small group of old and dear friends. Mr. Utterson was among the guests, of course. Utterson was a well-loved guest at any dinner party. He was especially welcome at the end of the evening. Hosts enjoyed his dry wit and careful manner. The lawyer provided a calm break after a talkative dinner

party. On that night in particular, Utterson made certain to stay after the others. He waited by the fire until everyone had left. Dr. Jekyll took a seat across Utterson. He was a large, fit, smooth-faced man of fifty. He used to lead conversations and discussions in a lively manner. Lately, however, he preferred to listen quietly. Over the past year or so, Jekyll had grown more distant. He was colder and more removed. Some thought he appeared judgmental. They criticized him whenever he was not at a social function or dinner party. As a result, Jekyll became less and less social. His friends often remarked how rarely they saw him. There was a time when they had seen each other once a week, but now several months often passed without seeing the doctor. On this night, however, he seemed like his old self. He had a relaxed smile across his face while talking to Utterson. They sat drinking their tea before

the fireplace. "I have been wanting to speak to you, Jekyll," Utterson began. "You know that will of yours?" "My poor Utterson," Jekyll said. "I never saw anyone as distressed as you when you saw that will, except our good friend Lanyon when he spoke out against my unscientific theories. Or should I say what he called my unscientific theories. He's an excellent fellow, but I've never been more disappointed in a man." "You know I never approved of the will," Utterson continued. He chose to ignore Jekyll's change of topic. "My will? Yes, certainly, I realize that." The doctor spoke a bit sharply. The lawyer was surprised by Jekyll's angry response. "You told me so." "Well, I'll tell you so again," said the lawyer. He was determined to have this talk

with Jekyll. It was far too important. "I've been learning something of that Mr. Hyde." The large handsome face of Dr. Jekyll grew pale. "I do not care to hear more," he said. "This is a matter I thought we had agreed to drop." "What I heard was awful," Utterson said. He felt uncomfortable prying into Jekyll's business. This was not something he would normally do. Utterson was a popular lawyer among certain members of society because he did not ask too many questions. He did his job without digging too deeply into his clients' lives and actions. Jekyll was more than a client, though. He was Utterson's oldest and dearest friend. The lawyer knew that he must pursue the topic of Hyde or he would never forgive himself. "I will not change my mind. You do not understand my position," returned the doctor. "My situation is very strange. Very

strange, indeed." "Jekyll," Utterson said. "You know me. I am a man to be trusted. Make a clean break of this business and tell me everything." "My dear Utterson," Jekyll said, "this is very good of you and I cannot thank you enough for your generosity. I trust you more than any man alive—even before myself— but I have no choice in the matter. I'll put your mind at ease, though. I can be rid of Hyde whenever I choose." Jekyll sat straight up in his chair. He looked his friend in the eye. The force of his stare seemed familiar to the lawyer. Utterson wondered where he had seen it before. "If you can be rid of Hyde at any moment," Utterson said, leaning forward in his chair, "then I beg that you do so now." He tried to keep his voice calm but it was hard to hide his concern. "Please Jekyll. You must end your relationship with Hyde."

"I thank you for your concern, but remember that this is a private matter. Please, let it go," Jekyll said. Utterson turned his gaze to the fire. He thought for a moment. "I have no doubt you are perfectly right," he said at last. Utterson decided there was nothing he could do. He would have to trust his friend in this matter. He stood up to walk away. "There is one point that I hope you understand," Jekyll added. "I have a great interest in Hyde, a very great interest. He told me that you met near the laboratory door the other week. I fear that he was rude to you. I am very sorry for that. He is a difficult man, I know. But I need your word that you will honor the terms of the will. If I should die—or disappear—please see that Hyde receives what is rightly his. It would be a weight off my mind if you promised." "I can't pretend that I shall ever like him,"