Read the passage and complete the sentence.
There was silence. Neither Mr.Mayne nor Mr.Bridge spoke. Mr.Mayne looked across at Mr.Bridge and waited. Both wanted the other to speak. Neither of them spoke. It was as if each felt that whoever spoke first would lose. Presently they rose together and together said: "Well, I must be going". Then they nodded slightly to each other and did indeed go. So they agreed to separate, but on both sides there was regret, for each was deeply convinced that they could have formed a business partnership that would have given them fame and wealth.
Mr.Mayne and Mr.Bridge scarcely spoke to each other because ... .