Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Chapter 3 - Dr. Jekyll Was Quite at Ease

A fortnight later, Dr. Jekyll invites some of his old friends over for dinner. Afterwards, Mr. Utterson stays behind. After a moment of silence, Mr. Utterson asks Dr. Jekyll about the will. First, the doctor tries to dismiss the subject by saying that the will is not worth distressing over. He mentions that the only other person more distressed about the will than Mr. Utterson is Dr. Lanyon. It is revealed that Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Lanyon have disagreed over scientific theories. The doctor tries to change the subject, but Mr. Utterson persists by stating that he does not approve of the will, especially concerning the part about Hyde. Dr. Jekyll confides incoherently:

"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." Chapter 3, pg. 57

Mr. Utterson pleads with his friend to say whether Hyde is putting him in an unfortunate position. Dr. Jekyll reassures Mr. Utterson that the situation is not as bad as it looks, that if he chose to, he could be rid of Hyde. Dr. Jekyll then makes a request not to talk about this any more, but says that Hyde is someone he takes a great interest in. He asks Mr. Utterson, if need be, to fulfill the obligations of the will. Though hesitant, Mr. Utterson promises to do his part.