But I could not remove my eyes from him.

He was the companion of my childhood, and we had lived in the closest intimacy for many years.

He understood perfectly my love for my mistress, and had several times intimated that bonds of this kind were sacred to a friend, and that he would be incapable of an attempt to supplant me, even if he loved the same woman.

In short, I had perfect confidence in him and I had perhaps never pressed the hand of any human creature more cordially than his.
Eagerly and curiously I scrutinized this man whom I had heard speak of love like an antique hero and whom yet I had caught caressing my mistress.

It was the first time in my life I had seen a monster; I measured him with a haggard eye to see what manner of man was this.