He comes in as a man at home there, but on seeing the stranger shrinks at once, and is about to withdraw when Broadbent reassures him.  He then comes forward to the table, between the two others.

Doyle [retreating].  You’re engaged.

Broadbent.  Not at all, not at all.  Come in. [To Tim] This gentleman is a friend who lives with me here:  my partner, Mr Doyle. [To Doyle] This is a new Irish friend of mine, Mr Tim Haffigan.

Tim [rising with effusion].  Sure it’s meself that’s proud to meet any friend o Misther Broadbent’s.  The top o the mornin to you, sir!  Me heart goes out teeye both.  It’s not often I meet two such splendid speciments iv the Anglo-Saxon race.

Broadbent [chuckling] Wrong for once, Tim.  My friend Mr Doyle is a countryman of yours.

Tim is noticeably dashed by this announcement.  He draws in his horns at once, and scowls suspiciously at Doyle under a vanishing mark of goodfellowship:  cringing a little, too, in mere nerveless fear of him.

Doyle [with cool disgust].  Good evening. [He retires to the fireplace, and says to Broadbent in a tone which conveys the strongest possible hint to Haffigan that he is unwelcome] Will you soon be disengaged?

Tim [his brogue decaying into a common would-be genteel accent with an unexpected strain of Glasgow in it].  I must be going.  Ivnmportnt engeegement in the west end.

Broadbent [rising].  It’s settled, then, that you come with me.

Tim.  Ish’ll be verra pleased to accompany ye, sir.

Broadbent.  But how soon?  Can you start tonight—­from Paddington? 
We go by Milford Haven.

Tim [hesitating].  Well—­I’m afreed—­I [Doyle goes abruptly into the bedroom, slamming the door and shattering the last remnant of Tim’s nerve.  The poor wretch saves himself from bursting into tears by plunging again into his role of daredevil Irishman.  He rushes to Broadbent; plucks at his sleeve with trembling fingers; and pours forth his entreaty with all the brogue be can muster, subduing his voice lest Doyle should hear and return].  Misther Broadbent:  don’t humiliate me before a fella counthryman.  Look here:  me cloes is up the spout.  Gimme a fypounnote—­I’ll pay ya nex choosda whin me ship comes home—­or you can stop it out o me month’s sallery.  I’ll be on the platform at Paddnton punctial an ready.  Gimme it quick, before he comes back.  You won’t mind me axin, will ye?

Broadbent.  Not at all.  I was about to offer you an advance for travelling expenses. [He gives him a bank note].

Tim [pocketing it].  Thank you.  I’ll be there half an hour before the thrain starts. [Larry is heard at the bedroom door, returning].  Whisht:  he’s comin back.  Goodbye an God bless ye. [He hurries out almost crying, the 5 pound note and all the drink it means to him being too much for his empty stomach and overstrained nerves].