How does Sergeant Woodruff honor Curzon?

He [Sergeant Woodruff] bowed. At the waist. To me. Gentlemen bowed out of courtesy. Out of respect. I’d seen thousands and thousands of bows whilst serving Judge Bellingham and later his son. They bowed when greeting each other. Upon taking their leave. They bowed to ladies and to their elders. They did not bow to slaves or thieves or ditch scoundrels. But Sergeant Woodruff bowed to me and I was all of those things. I returned his bow slowly, and more deeply, to show I understood the honor he paid me. (p.40)