That's typical Pinter dialogue. The form is standard English, but the conversation doesn't get anywhere. Davies can see what Aston is doing, but Aston is careful not to tell Davies any more than what he can see. Sometimes, as in A Slight Ache or The Collection, the whole play is built around non-exchange of information. Pinter's goal in these plays is to mystify us. He does it through a special brand of dramatic irony in which both character and audience are unable to solve basic riddles. The game is called “put on,” and it is Pinter's favorite. Edward is put on by the Matchseller, James is put on by Stella and Bill. Davies is put on by Mick and Aston. Stanley is put on by McCann and Goldberg. None of these victims knows what the others intend for them; nor are they able to find out until it is too late.