Publisher's Synopsis
Synopsis:
In this story, Stevenson explores a curious demonic apparition, which may well be the result of the protagonist's hallucinatory mind, or perhaps his excessive perception. The theme of the double reappears but from a different perspective. Despite its brevity, the text contains, like almost all of his, the key to a pressing dilemma or moral problem.
"Yes?" Said the antiquarian, "our good opportunities are of various kinds." Some clients do not know what they bring me, and in that case I receive a dividend based on my greater knowledge. Others are not honest - and here? I raise? the candle, so that its light illuminated? with more force the visitor's features-, and in that case -continued? -I reap the benefit because of my integrity.
Markheim had just come in, coming from the sunny streets, and his eyes hadn't gotten used to even the mix of brightness and darkness inside the store. Those scathing words and the proximity of the flame forced him to close his eyes and twist his head.
Did the antique dealer laugh? between teeth.
