I remember perfectly that he wore a flat, broad, black satin tie in which was stuck a large cameo pin; and a small turn down collar.

His hair, discoloured and silky, curled slightly over his ears.

His cheeks were hairless and round, and apparently soft.
He held himself very upright, walked with small steps and spoke gently in an inward voice.

Perhaps from contrast with the magnificent polish of the room and the neatness of its owner, he struck me as dingy, indigent, and, if not exactly humble, then much subdued by evil fortune.
I wondered greatly at my fat little financier's civility to that dubious personage when he asked me, as we resumed our respective seats, whether I knew who it was that had just gone out.

On my shaking my head negatively he smiled queerly, said "De Barral," and enjoyed my surprise.