There was a common staircase, with a porter and a liftman at the entrance, but there was no restaurant or anything of that sort, and each flat was quite shut off from the others.

I hate servants on the premises, so I had a fellow to look after me who came in by the day.

He arrived before eight o'clock every morning and used to depart at seven, for I never dined at home.
I was just fitting my key into the door when I noticed a man at my elbow.

I had not seen him approach, and the sudden appearance made me start.

He was a slim man, with a short brown beard and small, gimlety blue eyes.