They were excellent partners in business matters; Mallalieu knew Cotherstone, and Cotherstone knew Mallalieu in all things relating to the making of money.

But in taste, temperament, character, understanding, they were as far apart as the poles.

This aloofness when tested further by the recent discomposing events manifested itself in a disinclination to confidence.

Mallalieu, whatever he thought, knew very well that he would never say what he thought to Cotherstone; Cotherstone knew precisely the same thing with regard to Mallalieu.

But this silence bred irritation, and as the days went by the irritation became more than Cotherstone could bear.