And, as Hilda was inactive, Bert stalked forth upon his mission of manliness, smiling awkwardly and blushing. He closed the door after him, and not one of the adults dared to rise and open it.
"Had any luck with missing words lately?" Albert asked, in a detached airy manner, showing that the Bert-George affair was a trifle to him, to be dismissed from the mind at will.
"No," said Edwin. "I've been off missing words lately."
"Of course you have," Clara agreed with gravity. "All this must have been very trying to you all.... Albert's done very well of course."
"I was on 'politeness,' my boy," said Albert.
"Didn't you know?" Clara expressed surprise.
"'Politeness'?"
"Sixty-four pounds nineteen shillings per share," said Albert tremendously.
Edwin appreciatively whistled.
"Had the money?"