As it could only be intended for the children's door, I came out without asking any more questions and led the way up the dark stairs.

We went as quietly as we could, but four of us made some noise on the aged boards, and when we came to the second story we found we had disturbed a man who was standing there looking out of his room.
"Is it Gridley that's wanted ?" he said, fixing his eyes on me with an angry stare.
"No, sir," said I; "I am going higher up." He looked at Ada, and at Mr.Jarndyce, and at Mr.Skimpole, fixing the same angry stare on each in succession as they passed and followed me.

Mr.Jarndyce gave him good day.

"Good day!" he said abruptly and fiercely.

He was a tall, sallow man with a careworn head on which but little hair remained, a deeply lined face, and prominent eyes.