Who is Ashenden from Collected Short Stories Volume Three?

Ashenden is an English writer who is approached by R. at a party in London, England. When Ashenden meets with R. he is given the opportunity to work for the British government as a spy for the British Intelligence Department. Since he is a writer, Ashenden will be able to pass back and forth into enemy territory without raising suspicions. In a way Ashenden is an alter personality of author Maugham. In fact, in the preface of his book Maugham indicates the character of Ashenden is loosely based on himself and his own experiences as a spy in World War I.