When they are of opposite sexes, and experienced enough to judge of character impartially, friendships are often formed which endure for a lifetime.
“I owe you many thanks for the pleasure you have permitted me to enjoy. I looked forward to a wearisome journey only, but you have accepted my society, and made me your debtor as well.”
“I could not help myself, you see,” smiling.
“But you might have frozen me up in the true British style, and then I should have had to wait in helpless misery for the first stopping-place. You looked very annoyed when I got in at Swindon.”
“I am sorry; but the guard was fee’d to let me be alone if possible. Perhaps the desire of wanting to hide yourself, to get away even from one’s best friends, is happily strange to you.”
He was silent for a little, not looking at her.
Had anyone told Muriel that she would be holding a conversation with a perfect stranger less than an hour after she had started, she would have repudiated the imputation with scorn.
Her nature was a very proud and reticent one, she was not given to sudden confidences.
But there was in her as in all natural women—a hidden spring of impulse, and on meeting a nature sympathetic with her own, she almost unconsciously broke down her guard, with the result that she and her companion were talking as naturally as if they had known each other for years.
“May I hope that you will forgive my presumption in expressing sympathy? You are so young to experience suffering.”