sharply. You have told me so.
Well, I tell you so again, continued the lawyer. I have been
learning something of young Hyde.
The large handsome face of Dr. Jekyll grew pale to the very lips, and
there came a blackness about his eyes. I do not care to hear more,
said he. This is a matter I thought we had agreed to drop.
What I heard was abominable, said Utterson.
It can make no change. You do not understand my position, returned
the doctor, with a certain incoherency of manner. I am painfully
situated, Utterson; my position is a very strange a very strange one.
It is one of those affairs that cannot be mended by talking.
Jekyll, said Utterson, you know me: I am a man to be trusted. Make a
clean breast of this in confidence; and I make no doubt I can get you
out of it.
My good Utterson, said the doctor, this is very good of you, this is
downright good of you, and I cannot find words to thank you in. I
believe you fully; I would trust you before any man alive, ay, before
myself, if I could make the choice; but indeed it isn t what you fancy;
it is not as bad as that; and just to put your good heart at rest, I
will tell you one thing: the moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr. Hyde.
I give you my hand upon that; and I thank you again and again; and I
will just add one little word, Utterson, that I m sure you ll take in
good part: this is a private matter, and I beg of you to let it sleep.
Utterson reflected a little, looking in the fire.
I have no doubt you are perfectly right, he said at last, getting to
his feet.
Well, but since we have touched upon this business, and for the last
time I hope, continued the doctor, there is one point I should like
you to understand. I have really a very great interest in poor Hyde. I
know you have seen him; he told me so; and I fear he was rude. But I do
sincerely take a great, a very great interest in that young man; and if
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