'No. Have you?'

'Some women in front of me just now were-evidently discussing him. I
heard "How shocking!" and "Disgraceful!"'

Peak's eyes flashed, and he exclaimed in a voice of wrath:

'Besotted idiots! How I wish I were in Walsh's position! How I
should enjoy standing up before the crowd of fools and seeing their
fear of me! But I couldn't keep it to myself; I should give in to
the temptation to call them blockheads and jackasses.'

Earwaker was amused at his friend's vehemence. He sympathised with
it, but had an unyouthful sobriety in the expression of his
feelings.

'Most likely he despises them far too much to be disturbed by what
they think of him. But, I say, isn't it desperately comical that one
human being can hate and revile another because they think
differently about the origin of the universe? Couldn't you roar with
laughter when you've thought over it for a moment? "You be damned
for your theory of irregular verbs!" is nothing to it.' And he
uttered his croak of mirth, whilst Peak, with distorted features,
laughed in rage and scorn.

They had crossed the open space in front of the College buildings,
and were issuing into the highway, when a voice very unlike those
that were wont to sound within the academic precincts (or indeed in
the streets of Kingsmill) made sudden demand upon Peak's attention.