I thought this reception of me downright rude.

I had laid my hat on a chair; I took it up in my hand again, and delivered a parting shot at the brute with the oily whiskers.
"If I had known what you now tell me," I said, "I should not have troubled you by presenting that letter.

Good morning." This didn't in the least offend him.

A curious smile broke out on his face; it widened his eyes, and it twitched up his mouth at one corner.
He held out his hand to stop me.

I waited, in case he felt bound to make an apology.