"REFLECT!" URGED THE BROKER'S MAN, GENTLY RESISTING PERCY'S EFFORTS TO EJECT HIM
"He is right, Percy," said Mr. Welwyn. "Leave him alone. A sheriff's officer!" he muttered brokenly to himself, as his son relinquished his endeavour to speed the parting guest. "And I was once Fellow and Tutor!"
"A broker's man!" wailed Mrs. Welwyn, putting an arm round each of her daughters. "And I brought you up respectable, dearies!"
"A broker's man!" echoed Tilly, "and Lady Adela coming here this afternoon!"
This was too much for that unpolished but chivalrous youth Percy. Something must be done, for Tilly's sake.
"Dad," he said desperately, laying a hand on his father's shoulder, "ain't you got no money nowhere?"
Mr. Welwyn shook his head helplessly.
"Mother?" said Percy.
"I've got about fifteen shillings," said Mrs. Welwyn, brightening up at the prospect of action. "How much did that insect"--she indicated the minion of the law, now warming himself at the fireplace--"say it was?"
"Seventeen-seventeen-six," replied the insect, with the air of one letting off a telling repartee.