John (with some deliberation): We only have a certain amount of energy and vitality in us, Colin; and I’m using mine up on things that are utterly unimportant.
Colin: The same tack you were on last time I saw you?
John: Yes.
Colin: You’re not going to get much sympathy out of me.
John: Oh! ... why?
Colin: John! You can overdo ideals ... they can make one rather useless and a little bit silly.... I’ve been thinking about you a good deal while I’ve been away.... I’d made up my mind to tell you what I thought of you one of these days.
John: Now, please. I’m in no mood to wait.
Colin: Well——
John: Come on; out with it; what have you been thinking? What’s wrong with me?
[There is a certain eager impatience in his manner.