Derrick's mind was in a condition of joyous confusion as the train bore him in a slow and leisurely fashion towards Thexford.

Predominant, of course, was the thought that he was on his way to see the girl of his heart.

But presently he began to think of the strange old man who had set him that way.

Naturally enough, Derrick felt curious about him; for he had been much struck and interested by the old man's appearance and manner.

Derrick knew a gentleman when he saw him, and he knew that Mr.
Clendon was a gentleman and one of a very fine type; seen in befitting surroundings, Mr.Clendon would have filled completely the part of a nobleman; and yet he was poor and living in Brown's Buildings.