That is what he would have done himself, and that is what Percy, chastened by his loss, made up his mind to now.
He got out his old books and his tools, and doggedly took up the work where he had left it.

It was uphill, cheerless work, but he was better for it, and the memory of his lost friend became none the less dear for the relief it brought him.
Only one incident marked his solitary month at Clarges Street--that was a visit from Scarfe about a fortnight after the travellers had gone.
Percy had a very shrewd guess, although he had never heard it in so many words, who was responsible for Jeffreys' disgrace and dismissal; and that being so, it is not to be wondered at that his welcome of the visitor was not very cordial.
"Look here," said he, as Scarfe entered, and making no movement to return his greeting, "is it true you were the fellow who told mother about Jeff, and had him sent away from here ?" "My dear Percy--" "I'm not your dear Percy! Did you tell mother that story about Jeffreys ?" "Why, Percy, you don't mean to say--" "Shut up! You can Yes or No, can't you ?" "I did my duty, and it's a mercy you're all rid of him!" said Scarfe, losing temper at being thus browbeaten by a boy of Percy's age.
"Very well, you can go! You're a cad, and you're not wanted here!" said Percy.
"You young prig!" began the visitor; but Percy stopped him.
"Look here," said he, "if you want to fight, say so, and come on! If you don't, go! You're a cad!" Scarfe was staggered by this outbreak; he never suspected the boy had it in him.

He tried to turn the matter off with a laugh.
"Come, don't be a muff, Percy! You and I are old friends--" "We're not; we're enemies!" "You mean to say," said Scarfe, with a snarl, "you're going to throw me up for the sake of a--" "Don't say a word about Jeff!" said Percy, white-hot, and springing to his feet; "if you do I'll have you pitched neck and crop into the street! Hook it! No one asked you here, and you're not wanted!" "I came to see your mother," said Scarfe.

"I can't congratulate you, Percy, on your hospitality, but I can hope you'll be better next time I come." Percy went out after him, and called down the staircase to Walker, "Walker, give Mr Scarfe a glass of wine and some grub before he goes." The taunt about hospitality had stung him, and this was how he relieved his conscience on that point.
Scarfe was not the only visitor Percy had.

The evening before the travellers were expected home Walker announced that a gentleman had called inquiring for Mr Rimbolt, but hearing he was from home, desired to speak with his son.