“And nicely you’ve done it,” cried the lad ungraciously.
“You declared, upon your honour as a gentleman, that you would never turn from me, but that you would strive to take poor papa’s place, and be a help and protector to your mother and sisters. I ask you, how are you keeping your word?”
Percy fidgeted about in his chair, glanced at his mother, and then began playing with his pipe.
“If you have made some grievous mistake, dear, tell us at once, so that we may join with you in trying to repair it; but do not weakly take umbrage at my asking you rather searchingly what you have been doing.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” said the boy sulkily.
“Tell me exactly how you came to leave your office?”
“I did tell you. A set of cads!”
“Then I shall write to Mr Geringer, and ask him to send me the full particulars. Perhaps we can make peace for you so that you can go back.”
“Go back, Hazy?”
“Yes: go back. I do not wish to seem unkind, Percy, but you will not be able to stop here.”