29 September.—Last night, at a little before ten o'clock, Arthur
and Quincey came into Van Helsing's room. He told us all what he
wanted us to do, but especially addressing himself to Arthur, as if
all our wills were centered in his. He began by saying that he
hoped we would all come with him too, "for," he said, "there is a
grave duty to be done there. You were doubtless surprised at my
letter?" This query was directly addressed to Lord Godalming. "I
was. It rather upset me for a bit. There has been so much trouble
around my house of late that I could do without any more. I have
been curious, too, as to what you mean.
"Quincey and I talked it over, but the more we talked, the more
puzzled we got, till now I can say for myself that I'm about up a
tree as to any meaning about an
