"Ah!" said Tony, hoping to hear something. "I won't press you then. I wish you luck."
"Thank you, sir."
There was a brief silence that Tony felt oppressive. He was the first to break it.
"Been engaged long, Brown?"
"No, sir. Not very long."
Another silence. The impenetrability of these yokels is not exhilarating. Tony felt chilled, disappointed. He tried again.
"I suppose it's almost as engrossing as work, Brown?"
"Yes, sir; almost."
He said it without a smile, as if he was quite serious. But Tony suspected him of being guileful. Clearly it was useless to prolong the conversation. He sighed.
"Well, I must look for my friend. Good-by, Brown. Do come and talk to me about work sometime, when the lady is otherwise engaged."