He came leaping up two steps at a time, and turning the angle abruptly, surprised me before I was clear of the upper flight.
On seeing me, he stopped short and stared; thinking at first, I fancy, that he ought to recognise me.

When he did not, he stood back a pace.
'Umph!' he said.

'Have you been--have you any message for me, sir ?' 'No,' I said, 'I have not.' He frowned.

'I am M.de Bruhl,' he said.
'Indeed ?' I muttered, not knowing what else to say.
'You have been--' 'Up your stairs, sir?
Yes.

In error,' I answered bluntly.
He gave a kind of grunt at that, and stood aside, incredulous and dissatisfied, yet uncertain how to proceed.