The reason was that Mrs.Tootle stood in the doorway, to which he had his back turned.

Miss Enderby said a quick "good morning" and left him.
He was taking up some papers, preparatory to leaving the room, when he noticed that the governess had left behind her a little book in which she was accustomed to jot down lessons for the children.

He took it up and examined it.

On the first page was written "Maud Enderby, South Bank, Regent's Park." He repeated the name to himself several times.
Then he smiled, recalling the way in which the governess had warned him that Mrs.Tootle could overhear what he said.

Somehow, this slight gesture of the girl's had seemed to bring them closer to each other; there was an unpremeditated touch of intimacy in the movement, which it pleased him to think of.