Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/185

Rh relief: you came in all kindness and trust. You've encountered an unutterable horror, and you've only one thing to do."

"Be so good as to name it," said Dennis.

"Turn your back on it for ever—go your way this minute. I've come to you simply to say that."

"Leave you, in other words?"

"By the very first train that will take you."

Dennis appeared to turn this over; then he spoke with a face that showed what he thought of it. "It has been my unfortunate fate in coming to this place—so wrapped, as one might suppose, in comfort and peace—to intrude a second time on obscure, unhappy things, on suffering and danger and death. I should have been glad, God knows, not to renew the adventure, but one's destiny kicks one before it, and I seem myself not the least part of the misery I speak of. You must accept that as my excuse for not taking your advice. I must stay at least till you understand me." On this he waited a moment; after which, abruptly, impatiently, "For God's sake, Mr. Bream, believe in me and meet me!" he broke out.

"Meet you?"

"Make use of the hand I hold out to you!"