'Good evening,' he offered, and I returned the same to him, surprised at the strength of my voice as it came from my mouth. 'I am a colleague of your master, Mister Edward Hyde. He is-' he paused, the grin returning, '-temporarily engaged elsewhere and has sent me to collect something from his study.'

I drew breath, tempted to announce my knowledge of exactly who he was, but the temptation quickly passed and in its wake I found my composure. 'Certainly, sir. Is there anything I can help you with, or can I retire?'

'I will be fine, thank you.' The words were polite but the tone was scarifying. He bid me goodnight and watched as I left.