When we came to the discussion of the sequence of our efforts and of the disposition of our forces, there were new sources of doubt.  It was finally agreed that before starting for Piccadilly we should destroy the Count’s lair close at hand.  In case he should find it out too soon, we should thus be still ahead of him in our work of destruction.  And his presence in his purely material shape, and at his weakest, might give us some new clue.

As to the disposal of forces, it was suggested by the Professor that, after our visit to Carfax, we should all enter the house in Piccadilly.  That the two doctors and I should remain there, whilst Lord Godalming and Quincey found the lairs at Walworth and Mile End and destroyed them.  It was possible, if not likely, the Professor urged, that the Count might appear in Piccadilly during the day, and that if so we might be able to cope with him then and there.  At any rate, we might be able to follow him in force.  To this plan I strenuously objected, and so far as my going was concerned, for I said that I intended to stay and protect Mina.  I thought that my mind was made up on the subject, but Mina would not listen to my objection.  She said that there might be some law matter in which I could be useful.  That amongst the Count’s papers might be some clue which I could understand out of my experience in Transylvania.  And that, as it was, all the strength we could muster was required to cope with the Count’s extraordinary power.  I had to give in, for Mina’s resolution was fixed.  She said that it was the last hope for her that we should all work together.

“As for me,” she said, “I have no fear.  Things have been as bad as they can be.  And whatever may happen must have in it some element of hope or comfort.  Go, my husband!  God can, if He wishes it, guard me as well alone as with any one present.”

So I started up crying out, “Then in God’s name let us come at once, for we are losing time.  The Count may come to Piccadilly earlier than we think.”

“Not so!” said Van Helsing, holding up his hand.

“But why?” I asked.

“Do you forget,” he said, with actually a smile, “that last night he banqueted heavily, and will sleep late?”

Did I forget!  Shall I ever . . . can I ever!  Can any of us ever forget that terrible scene!  Mina struggled hard to keep her brave countenance, but the pain overmastered her and she put her hands before her face, and shuddered whilst she moaned.  Van Helsing had not intended to recall her frightful experience.  He had simply lost sight of her and her part in the affair in his intellectual effort.

When it struck him what he said, he was horrified at his thoughtlessness and tried to comfort her.

“Oh, Madam Mina,” he said, “dear, dear, Madam Mina, alas!  That I of all who so reverence you should have said anything so forgetful.  These stupid old lips of mine and this stupid old head do not deserve so, but you will forget it, will you not?” He bent low beside her as he spoke.