This section of your story is, in my opinion, a perfect example of how to keep a multi-part work intact in it's impact and vision (to quote the rating system). You kept the mystery of the old man, introduced a new young'un and kept the house, which in my opinion is far more mysterious than the owner, a shaded part of the plot. It makes me want to keep reading, especially with the glimpse of gold in the final paragraph. This is what I would consider a success in continuity.

I actually picture the old man as my grandfather. They share a few striking similarities in personality, apparently.