They called him "Jeffy," and treated him like some favoured domestic animal.

They recognised him as a sort of custodian of Percy, and on that account showed off before him, and demonstrated to Percy that he was no custodian of theirs.

They freely discussed his ugliness and poverty within earshot.

They patronised him without stint, and made a display of their own affluence in his presence.

And when once or twice he put down his foot and interdicted some illegal proceeding, they blustered rudely, and advised Percy to get the cad dismissed.
It was like some of the old Bolsover days back again, only with the difference that now he steeled himself to endure all patiently for young Forrester's sake.