"No, I don't think.

I know.

Quite a small spoke is enough to stop a wheel--even a mighty big wheel--if it's going too fast." And again, more than half against his will, Max laughed.

"You make a very efficient chaperon," he said.
"It's my speciality just now," said Nick.
He closed his eyes again peaceably, and gave himself up to his cigar.
Max, his rough red brows drawn together, leaned back against the mantelpiece and smoked his pipe, staring at the opposite wall.

There was no strain in the silence between them.