My master had been away from the house since the previous day, something which had started to occur more and more. Increasingly, it was Hyde who made these sorties, and so it was on this occasion. I had taken it upon myself to watch over the doctor and observe his comings and goings, in whatever guise he clothed himself. It was clear to me that he needed a watchman to keep his two lives from destroying each other. I heard the sounds from the surgical theatre which announced his return, and made my way towards the courtyard to see if either of them needed anything. Usually on his return, and after his change, my master would sleep for some time, but on this occasion the door from the courtyard opened and Doctor Jekyll walked through before I had managed to make it even so far.

'Good evening, sir,' I said, and he reciprocated. On his request we moved through to his drawing room where he asked for his supper. It was clear that something was on his mind, and he seemed agitated in a way that I was more wont to associate with his alternative persona. I left and returned as quickly as I could with a pre-prepared tray of bread and cheeses. He took the tray from me and started eating with a will that was good to see. I stood to one side and waited for the commands which I knew were to come.