There was a light frost covering the ground and much of the foliage, but it was

a mild day for that time of the year. I crossed the grass quickly, placed my

person behind the bush, and before long heard Mr Cardinal's footsteps

approaching.

 

Unfortunately, I misjudged slightly the timing of my emergence. I had intended

to emerge while Mr Cardinal was still a reasonable distance away, so that he

would see me in good time and suppose I was on my way to the summerhouse, or

perhaps to the gardener's lodge. I could then have pretended to notice him for

the first time and have engaged him in conversation in an impromptu manner. As

it happened, I emerged a little late and I fear I rather startled the young

gentleman, who immediately pulled his attaché case away from me and clutched it

to his chest with both arms.

 

"I'm very sorry, sir."

 

"My goodness - Stevens. You gave me a shock.

 

I thought things were hotting up a bit there."

 

"I'm very sorry, sir. But as it happens I have something to convey to you."

 

"My goodness yes, you gave me quite a fright."