Mr Utterson was very glad when, about two weeks later, Dr Jekyll
gave one of his pleasant dinner parties for five or six old friends.
They were all intelligent men, and they all enjoyed good
conversation and fine wine, so they were happy to come to the
doctor's house. And as usual, the lawyer stayed after the others
went home. Mr Utterson and Dr Jekyll sat together, one on each side of
the fireplace.
' I wanted to speak to you, Jekyll,' Utterson began.
' Oh ?' said the doctor.' What about ?'
'About your will,' said the lawyer.
It was clear that the doctor did not like the subject. But he
smiled.' My poor Utterson,' he said.' I am very sorry that it worries
you.You worry more than anyone. Oh, except Lanyon — he seems
worried about my scientific work. But he is a good man, like you.'
'You know that I never liked that will,' said the lawyer. He
refused to talk about other things.
'Yes, I know that,' said the doctor. 'You told me.'
'Well, I'll tell you again,' said Utterson. 'And I have learned
something about Hyde.'
Dr Jekyll's face went pale.' I don't want to listen,' he said.
12
' I heard a very bad thing,' said Utterson.
' It doesn't change anything,' said Jekyll.
' It must,' said Utterson.
' I am sorry, but you don't understand, Utterson,' said the doctor.
' It is a very strange business — very strange. It won't become better
if we talk about it. There is nothing more to say about it.'
' Henry,' said Utterson, ' you know me. You know that you
can trust me. Tell me all about it. I am sure that I can get you out
of trouble.'
' You are a really good man, Utterson,' the doctor said.' I can't
find words to thank you. I trust you more than any other person.
But it isn't what you think. I can tell you one thing. When I want
to, I can be free of Hyde.'
Mr Utterson started to speak, but Jekyll stopped him.
'You should know something,' said Jekyll. 'I am very
interested in poor Hyde. I know that you have seen him. He told
me that. And I am afraid that he was not polite. But I do take
great interest in that young man. I want to ask you to do what is
right. Help him to get the things that are in my will. Can you
give me that promise ? It is very important to me.'
' I can't say that I will ever like him,' said the lawyer.
' I don't ask for that,' said Jekyll. He put his hand on his old
friend's arm. 'You are my friend. I only want you to help him
when I die.'
Utterson looked very unhappy. But at last he said, 'All right.
I promis