W. Somerset Maugham

“ He spoke hoarsely, quickly.
“I must see Margaret again.”
“Arthur, you’re mad!” cried Susie.
He went up to Dr. Porhoët and, putting his hands on his shoulders, looked fixedly into his eyes.
“You have studied this science. You know all that can be known of it. I want you to show her to me.”
The doctor gave an exclamation of alarm.
“My dear fellow, how can I? I have read many books, but I have never practised anything. I have only studied these matters for my amusement.” ”

“ Susie and Dr. Porhoët walked out; and Arthur, looking down thoughtfully, followed on their heels. Dr. Richardson slammed the street-door angrily.
Dr. Porhoët slipped his arm in Arthur’s.
“You must be reasonable, my friend,” he said. “From his own point of view this doctor has all the rights on his side. You have nothing to justify your demands. It is monstrous to expect that for a vague suspicion you will be able to get an order for exhumation.”
Arthur did not answer. The trap was waiting for them.
“Why do you want to see Haddo?” insisted the doctor. ”

“ You gentlemen in Harley Street don’t understand the conditions of private practice. We haven’t the time to do post-mortems to gratify a needless curiosity.”
Arthur was silent for a moment. The little man was evidently convinced that there was nothing odd about Margaret’s death, but his foolishness was as great as his obstinacy. It was clear that several motives would induce him to put every obstacle in Arthur’s way, and chief of these was the harm it would do him if it were discovered that he had given a certificate of death carelessly. ”

“ He had grown much balder and now there was only a crescent of long hair stretching across the back of his head from ear to ear. There was something terrible about that great shining scalp. His paunch was huge; he was a very tall man and held himself erect, so that it protruded like a vast barrel. ”

“ She feared that he would faint. She wanted enormously to get him away, but did not know how to manage it.
“They say it was heart disease,” answered the landlady. “Poor thing! it’s a happy release for her.”
“Won’t you get us some tea, Mrs. Smithers? We’re very tired, and we should like something immediately.”
“Yes, miss. I’ll get it at once.”
The good woman bustled away. Susie quickly locked the door. She seized Arthur’s arm.
“Arthur, Arthur.”
She expected him to break down. She looked with agony at Dr. Porhoët, who stood helplessly by. ”

“ Richardson, and I cannot help thinking it will be worth your while to assist me in every possible way.”
“I shall do nothing of the kind. I think you very impertinent, sir. There is no need for exhumation, and I shall do everything in my power to prevent it. And I tell you as chairman of the board of magistrates, my opinion will have as great value as any specialist’s in Harley Street.” ”

“ He’s up in the attics, and no one’s allowed to go to him.”
The man tried to push Arthur away.
“Be off with you, or I’ll send for the police.”
“Don’t be a fool,” said Arthur. “I mean to find Mr. Haddo.”
The housekeeper and his wife broke out with abuse, to which Arthur listened in silence. Susie and Dr. Porhoët stood by anxiously. They did not know what to do. Suddenly a voice at their elbows made them start, and the two servants were immediately silent. ”