"An agency—one of these new phonographs—Yankee of course. I manage the office. A lot of cads—but I make 'em sit up."
And he launched into boasting of his success in the business—the orders he had secured, the economies he had brought about in the office. Stephen found himself wondering meanwhile what kind of a business it could be that entrusted its affairs to Maurice. But he betrayed no scepticism, and the two talked in more or less brotherly fashion for a few minutes, till Stephen, with a look at his watch, declared that he must find his horse and go.
"I thought you were only coming for the week-end," he said as he moved toward the door.
"I got seedy—and took a week off. Besides, I found pater in such a stew."
Stephen hesitated.
"About the Rector?"
Maurice nodded.
"Pater is in an awful way about it. I've been trying to cheer him up.
Meynell will be turned out, of course."
"Probably," said Stephen gravely. "So shall I."
"What'll you do?"