Wait here while I go and see.'
I knew they were talking about me.
I began to feel more uncomfortable than ever.
It was so furtive, the whole business.
And I did not want to catch Mrs Danvers in the wrong.
Then Jasper turned his head sharply towards the drawing-room. He trotted out, wagging his tail.
'Hullo, you little tyke,' I heard the man say.
Jasper began to bark excitedly.
I looked round desperately for somewhere to hide.
Hopeless of course.
And then I heard a footstep quite close to my ear, and the man came into the room.
He did not see me at first because I was behind the door, but Jasper made a dive at me, still barking with delight.
The man wheeled round suddenly and saw me.
I have never seen anyone look more astonished.
I might have been the burglar and he the master of the house.
'I beg your pardon,' he said, looking me up and down.
He was a big, hefty fellow, good-looking in a rather flashy, sunburnt way.
He had the hot, blue eyes usually associated with heavy drinking and loose living.
His hair was reddish like his skin.
In a few years he would run to fat, his neck bulging over the back of his collar.
His mouth gave him away, it was too soft, too pink.
I could smell the whisky in his breath from where I stood.
He began to smile.
The sort of smile he would give to every woman.
'I hope I haven't startled you,' he said.
I came out from behind the door looking no doubt as big a fool as I felt.
'No, of course not,' I said,
'I heard voices, I was not quite sure who it was.
I did not expect any callers this afternoon.'
'What a shame,' he said heartily, 'it's too bad of me to butt in on you like this.
I hope you'll forgive me.
The fact is I just popped in to see old Danny, she's a very old friend of mine.'
'Oh, of course, it's quite all right,' I said.
'Dear old Danny,' he said, 'she's so anxious, bless her, not to disturb anyone.
She didn't want to worry you.'
'Oh, it does not matter at all,' I said.
I was watching Jasper who was jumping up and pawing at the man in delight.
'This little beggar hasn't forgotten me, has he?' he said.
'Grown into a jolly little beast.
He was quite a youngster when I saw him last.
He's too fat though.
He needs more exercise.'
'I've just taken him for a long walk,' I said.
'Have you really?
How sporting of you,' he said. He went on patting Jasper and smiling at me in a familiar way.
Then he pulled out his cigarette case.
'Have one?' he said.
'I don't smoke,' I told him.
'Don't you really?'
He took one himself and lighted it.