The old man turned his head as Derrick came down upon him, and Derrick, notwithstanding the state of his mind, was struck by the nobility and dignity of the thin, wasted face and the dark, penetrating eyes.
"I beg your pardon," said Derrick.

"Can you tell me---- ?" He stopped, for the old man had dropped the parcel and stood looking, not at it, but at Derrick.

Derrick hastened to pick it up, and, instinctively, raised his hat as he handed the small package.
"I'm afraid I startled you, sir," he said, with that note of respect and deference which came into Derrick's voice when he was addressing women and the aged: it was just one of those little characteristics which attracted people to the young man, and made them take to him at first acquaintance.

"I wanted to ask you a question about a young lady, the young lady who lives in the room above this." For the life of him, he could not bring himself to ask the question straight out.
Mr.Clendon regarded him with a calm and courteous scrutiny, which, for all its courteousness, had a note of guardedness and caution.

"What do you wish to ask about her ?" he inquired.