Nevertheless Melmotte had not as yet made up his mind that he would meet his clerk. His clerk was his clerk. It might perhaps be well that he should first go into the City and send word to Croll, bidding him wait for his return. Over and over again, against his will, the question of flying would present itself to him; but, though he discussed it within his own bosom in every form, he knew that he could not fly. And if he stood his ground,--as most assuredly he would do,--then must he not be afraid to meet any man, let the man come with what thunderbolts in his hand he might. Of course sooner or later some man must come with a thunderbolt,--and why not Croll as well as another? He stood against a press in his chamber, with a razor in his hand, and steadied himself. How easily might he put an end to it all! Then he rang his bell and desired that Croll might be shown up into his room.

Melmotte could not make up his mind whether to meet his clerk. It might be well that he should first go into the City, telling Croll to wait for his return. Over and over again, against his will, the question of flying would present itself to him; but he knew that he could not fly. And if he stood his ground, he must not be afraid to meet any man, let the man come with what thunderbolts he may. Of course sooner or later some man must come with a thunderbolt - and why not Croll as well as another?
He stood in his chamber, with a razor in his hand, and steadied himself. How easily might he put an end to it all! Then he rang his bell and desired that Croll might be shown up into his room.
