Let the following dialogue prove it.  I leave open the question whether or not I have reported the real terms of our conversation, merely reminding you that two men together, removed from the frivolity of women, tend, even in the street and when the thermometer is below freezing-point, to a high seriousness rare when the sexes are mingled.

Imagine us facing a wind from the east composed of steel filings and all uncharity.  We are somewhere in Chelsea, and for some reason or other, or none at all, I am accompanying him.

He (looking at his watch).  I’ve got to be at Grosvenor Gardens by half-past one and there’s not a taxi anywhere.  We must walk fast and perhaps we’ll meet one.  Dash this War anyhow. (He said, as a matter of fact, “damn,” but I am getting so tired of that word, in print that I shall employ alternatives every time.  Someone really must institute a close season for “damns” or they won’t any longer be funny on the stage; and, since to laugh in theatres has become a national duty, that, in the present state of the wit market, would be privation indeed.)

I (submerged by brain wave).  Perhaps we’ll meet one.

He. Keep a sharp look out, won’t you?  I ’ve got to be there by half-past one, and I hate to be late.

I. Those tailors you were asking me about—­I think you’ll find them very decent people.  They——­

He (excitedly).  Here comes one.  Hi!  Hi!

    [A taxi, obviously full of people, approaches and passes, the driver
    casting a pitying glance at my poor signalling friend.

He. I thought it was free.

I. The flag was down.

He. I couldn’t be sure.  What were you saying?  Sorry.

I. Oh, only about those tailors.  If you really want to change, you know, I could——­

He. Do you mind walking a little faster?

I (mendaciously).  Not at all.  I could give you my card, don’t you know.  But of course you might not like them.  Tastes differ.  To me they seem to be first-rate, as tailors go.

He (profoundly—­though he is not more profound than I am).  Of course, as tailors go.

I. They ’re best at——­

He (excited again).  Here’s another.  Hi!  Hi!  Taxi.  No, it’s engaged.

I (with a kind impulse).  If you’ll ask me, I’ll tell you whether the flags are up or not.  I think I must be able to see farther than you.

He. Do.

I. I was always rather famous for long sight.  It’s——­

He (turning round)).  Isn’t that one behind us?  Is that free?

I. I can’t tell yet.

He. Surely the flag’s up.

    [He steps into the road and waves his stick.

I. It’s a private car.