eight o’clock
My flat was the first floor in a new block behind Langham Place . 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 .