Put it this way, George," he suggested, when he had savoured the night air for a...

Put it this way, George," he suggested, when he had savoured the night air for a moment. "You traveling on business, or for pleasure in this thing? Which is it?
Smiley's reply was also slow in coming, and as indirect: "I was never conscious of pleasure," he said. "Or perhaps I mean: of the distinction.