"Then, my dear chap," he said, "why in Heaven's name make yourself so damned unpleasant ?" "So what ?" said Max.
"What I said." Coolly Nick made answer.

"It's not an empty phrase," he added.

"You will find a meaning attached if you deign to give it the benefit of your august consideration." Max uttered a grim, unwilling laugh.

"I suppose you are privileged to say what you like," he said.
"I observe certain limits," said Nick.
"And you never make mistakes ?" "Oh, yes, occasionally.

Not often.