Robert turned red, and redder. He wasn't used to being crossed or contradicted. Especially not by the plebs. He had not even considered the possibility that the young man might not gravel and beg for forgiveness at the prospect of losing his job. How dare this derelict tell Robert what to do!? But before he could overcome his anger enough to respond, Pearl told him off and pushed his cane away with such force, that Robert had to step out to maintain is balance.

He glared right back at her, but when she announced her will to depart, Robert turned back to the railway porter. The shame over fact that his threat had made no discernable impact, and that his sister had nearly managed to knock him over, only added to his anger. He would destroy this slum-spawn for not knowing his place. Robert pointed his cane at him. "This is not over." But then he turned on his heel and strode after Pearl to prevent her from leaving alone. "Pearl!"