ARTHUR
38

Such is the story of Welbeck, whom I listened to passionately where every faculty was absorbed. How bad was my dream of the incidents that just happened! The curtains were lifted, and scenes of guilt and disgrace were revealed where my rash and inexperienced youth suspected nothing but grandeur and generosity.

For a while, the magic of this story kept me from contemplating the consequences that awaited us. My immature fantasies up until now have not soared to this tone. Everything was astounding because of its novelty, or great because of its horror. This scene of transgressions, according to my rural understanding, is the splendor of fairies and magical wonders. My understanding was dumbfounded, and my senses were taught not to trust their own testimony.

From this state of contemplation I was reminded by my colleague, who said to me, with a serious accent, "Mervyn! I only have two requests. Help me to bury these remains, and then accompany me across the river. I've no power to force you to be silent on the actions you've witnessed. I've meditated to benefit you and also to injure you; but I don't want that your attitude should conform to any other standard than justice. You have promised, and for that promise I believe.

"If you choose to fly away from this scene, to withdraw from what you imagine to be a theatre of guilt or danger, the road opens; retire uninterrupted and in silence. If you have a human soul, if you are grateful for it. The benefits given to you are, if your discretion allows you to see that compliance with my request will not ensnare you in error and does not betray you into danger, stay, stay, and help me hide these remains from human surveillance.

"Watson is beyond the range of any further injuries. I never intended to hurt her, even though I had snatched away her sister and friend, and had ended her life prematurely. Providing a grave for him is my duty to die and live. I will soon place myself out of the reach of inquisitors and judges, but will willingly save from the persecution or suspicion of those I will leave behind."

I did not make any preparations to leave. I did not verbally approve of his proposal. He interpreted my silence to be consent. She wrapped the body on the carpet, and then, lifting one end of it, looked at me which showed her hope that I would help her lift this terrible burden. During this process, the silence is not interrupted.

I don't know where he intended to take the body. He had talked about burial, but no container was provided. How far security might depend on its behavior in this regard, I cannot estimate. I was in a heartless mood to express my doubts. I followed his example in lifting a corpse off the floor.

He led the way down the hallway and down the stairs. After reaching the first floor, he unlocked the door leading to the basement. The stairs and hallways are illuminated by lights hanging from the ceiling and are usually lit at night. However, now, we entered a dark and murky niche.

"Come back" he said in a commanding tone, "and take the lamp. I'll wait for you."