God forgive us, God forgive us, said Mr. Utterson.
But Mr. Enfield only nodded his head very seriously, and walked on once
more in silence.
THE LAST NIGHT
Mr. Utterson was sitting by his fireside one evening after dinner, when
he was surprised to receive a visit from Poole.
Bless me, Poole, what brings you here? he cried; and then taking a
second look at him, What ails you? he added; is the doctor ill?
Mr. Utterson, said the man, there is something wrong.
Take a seat, and here is a glass of wine for you, said the lawyer.
Now, take your time, and tell me plainly what you want.
You know the doctor s ways, sir, replied Poole, and how he shuts
himself up. Well, he s shut up again in the cabinet; and I don t like
it, sir I wish I may die if I like it. Mr. Utterson, sir, I m afraid.
Now, my good man, said the lawyer, be explicit. What are you afraid
of?
I ve been afraid for about a week, returned Poole, doggedly
disregarding the question, and I can bear it no more.
The man s appearance amply bore out his words; his manner was altered
for the worse; and except for the moment when he had first announced
his terror, he had not once looked the lawyer in the face. Even now, he
sat with the glass of wine untasted on his knee, and his eyes directed
to a corner of the floor. I can bear it no more, he repeated.
Come, said the lawyer, I see you have some good reason, Poole; I see
there is something seriously amiss. Try to tell me what it is.
I think there s been foul play, said Poole, hoarsely.
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