There was something in his bearing and expression that deterred her from using the rather condescending words she had formulated.

His face was somewhat pale; his mouth was firmly set, throwing out the chin in a way to make it quite strong; his eyes were anxious, but steady; his form was very erect, and his shoulders were very square and straight.

He appeared to her older than she had considered him.

It would not do to patronize this man.

After greeting her, he handed her a chair solemnly, and the next moment plunged straight into his subject.