Walker-My_Musical_Ex.. - Walter Cosand

DEPPE AND SCHARWENCKA 117,
to the third floor, when I found myself face to face
with a plain-looking, elderly gentleman, who seemed
to be coming straight from the corridor on which,
according to the waiter's directions to me, Herr
Deppe's rooms were situated. I glanced at him just
as he was about to pass by me, and probably my look
suggested inquiry, for he asked me abruptly, but not
rudely, what I wanted up there—if I were looking for
anyone. I replied, ' I am going up to ascertain
when it is possible to see Herr Deppe, and I have
been told that his rooms are on the third floor.' ' I
am Herr Deppe,' was the rejoinder, ' and if you want
to see me, and speak to me, I must beg you to come
back at four o'clock, that is my hour for seeing
people; and I am, now on my way to dinner, so
please excuse me.' Saying this, he bowed slightly to
me, and, passing on down the stairs, went into the
dining-room of the hotel.
There was not the slightest pose about Herr Deppe
—nothing remarkable in his appearance, his glance,
or his voice ; and yet he had at once impressed me,
had inspired me with confidence in him. I seemed
to see and feel that he was an individual such as one
seldom meets with in a life-time. I came back to the
hotel at four o'clock, and, going up the stairs, rang
the bell at his door, and (German customs and ways
being as yet unknown to me) was greatly surprised
when he not only opened it himself to let me in, but,
bringing me through the anteroom and into the