CHAPTER VI
British conversation is like a game of cricket or a boxing match; personal allusions are forbidden like hitting below the belt, and anyone who loses his temper is disqualified.
Aurelle met at the Lennox Mess veterinaries and generals, tradesmen and dukes. Excellent whisky was provided and the guests entertained in a friendly way without boring them with too much attention.
"It rains a lot in your country," said a major in the Engineers who sat next him one evening.
"So it does in England," said Aurelle.
"I intend," said the major, "when this damned war is over, to leave the army and go and live in New Zealand."
"You have friends there?"
"Oh no, but the salmon fishing is very good."
"Bring your rod over here while we are resting, major, the pond is full of enormous pike."
"I never fish for pike," said the major, "he is not a gentleman. When he sees he is caught he gives up; the salmon fights to the end, even without hope. A thirty-pound fellow will sometimes fight two hours; that's something like, isn't it?"