He despised cigars.
Nick closed his eyes.

"In my capacity of chaperon," he said.

"It's a beastly difficult position by the way.

I'm weighed down by responsibility." "So I've noticed," remarked Max drily.
"Well, you haven't done much to lighten the burden," said Nick.

"I suppose you haven't realized yet that I am one of the gods that control your destiny." "Well, no; I hadn't." Max leaned against the mantelpiece and smoked, with his face to the ceiling.