If you do not see a gnome, then it must be someone else.

He's the one they call Dr Noodle
He's the one that makes ya feel alright
He's the one they call Dr Noodle
He's gonna be your Franken... what?

The elderly gnome before you seems to have an air about him as if he thinks he is something pretty grand.  He walks about with his head held high or at least as high as he can.  His clothing seems to be made of very fine materials and look as if they might have been expensive... twenty some years ago perhaps.