He wore the unmistakable look of a man about to be present at a row between women, and only a wet cat in a strange back-yard bears itself with less jauntiness than a man faced by such a prospect. A millionaire several times over, Mr. Pett would cheerfully have given much of his wealth to have been elsewhere at that moment. Such was the agitated state of his mind that, when a hand was laid lightly upon his arm as he was about to follow his wife into the room, he started so violently that his hat flew out of his hand.
In the scene described, Mr. Pett exhibits the typical anxiety of a man caught in the tension between women. His demeanor is reminiscent of a wet cat, as he dreads the impending confrontation. Despite his immense wealth, he finds himself wishing to escape the situation altogether, highlighting his discomfort. The visceral reaction he has to a simple touch underscores his agitation and nervousness in an environment fraught with potential conflict.
Wodehouse captures the comedic essence of Mr. Pett’s predicament, emphasizing how wealth does not shield him from the awkwardness of social interactions. The imagery of a startled man losing his hat conveys both vulnerability and the absurdity of his circumstances. This portrayal serves as a humorous commentary on the dynamics of gender relations and personal discomfort in social settings.
