18
My companions watched me and laughed .
‘ The boy ’ s eyes look ready to fall from his head ,’ said Utterson with a chuckle .
I looked at them sharply , expecting to see pitying and mocking stares pointed back at me , but instead , they were full of joy . Perhaps they were seeing these sights through my eyes , and it reminded them of their good fortune in life .
As I write this now and think on those moments , it seems more to me that they were happy because they didn ’ t expect me to survive my new employment and they were glad to see me have some joy in my final days .
We arrived at Downing Street , and they led me to the backdoor and down stone stairs into the kitchens .
Mary , the cook , looked me up and down , nodded , and Utterson and Lanyon bid me their good lucks and goodbyes .
The kitchen was dark and quiet . It smelled like bacon and burnt toast , and there was a sharp smell in the air I didn ’ t recognise but would later learn was coffee . Mary explained that she was the cook , and there were a staff of maids who cleaned and helped in the kitchens .
She directed me to a small room . Inside was a bed , a chamber pot , and a small writing desk .
‘ This is you ,’ she said . She pointed to a bell hanging from the wall . ‘ The PM ’ ll ring that if he wants anything from you day and night . Bell rings , you go up to his offices or his chambers , you knock twice , he admits you , you do what you ’ re told . Do not speak unless spoken