BRIGGS—"You mustn't take offense if I speak to you about something I have had on my mind for some time, just a little habit of yours."
GRIGGS—"Certainly not."
BRIGGS—"Nobody has ever had the nerve to tell you before. And you are such a splendid, noble fellow."
GRIGGS—"Yes, yes."
BRIGGS—"You're one of those fellows who never really know what is being said to them; you're always pursuing some train of thought. Anyone can tell half the time you are not listening by the far-away look in your eyes. You've offended a lot of people. Of course, it's terribly rude—only you don't know it. You mustn't any more, old chap (putting his hands on Grigg's shoulder). Promise me you'll quit."
GRIGGS (obliged to face him)—"Just what were you saying?"
"That cashier is a cool chap."
"How so?"