Готель з привидами

           Herwildblackeyeslookedupward,withanexpressionofdespairsodefiantandsohorribleinitssilentagonythattheDoctorturnedawayhishead,unabletoendurethesightofit.Thebareideaoftakinganythingfromher—notmoneyonly,butanythingeventhatshehadtouched—suddenlyrevoltedhim.Stillwithoutlookingather,hesaid,’Takeitback;Idon’twantmyfee.’

           Sheneitherheedednorheardhim.Stilllookingupward,shesaidslowlytoherself,’Lettheendcome.Ihavedonewiththestruggle:Isubmit.’

           Shedrewherveiloverherface,bowedtotheDoctor,andlefttheroom.

           Herangthebell,andfollowedherintothehall.Astheservantclosedthedooronher,asuddenimpulseofcuriosity—utterlyunworthyofhim,andatthesametimeutterlyirresistible—sprangupintheDoctor’smind.Blushinglikeaboy,hesaidtotheservant,’Followherhome,andfindouthername.’Foronemomentthemanlookedathismaster,doubtingifhisownearshadnotdeceivedhim.DoctorWybrowlookedbackathiminsilence.Thesubmissiveservantknewwhatthatsilencemeant—hetookhishatandhurriedintothestreet.

           TheDoctorwentbacktotheconsulting-room.Asuddenrevulsionoffeelingsweptoverhismind.Hadthewomanleftaninfectionofwickednessinthehouse,andhadhecaughtit?Whatdevilhadpossessedhimtodegradehimselfintheeyesofhisownservant?Hehadbehavedinfamously—hehadaskedanhonestman,amanwhohadservedhimfaithfullyforyears,toturnspy!Stungbythebarethoughtofit,heranoutintothehallagain,andopenedthedoor.