They rode on in silence, and, for a little way, the road being rough, he reined in his horse to the narrow path behind her. Then, when it grew smoother again, she waited for him to come alongside.
"You haven't always been in this part of Rhodesia?"
"No; only recently."
"Long enough to get very attached to it."
"More or less," and suddenly his voice hardened a little, as if scenting a discussion and wishful to ward it off.
"I wonder why Rhodesia is so fascinating?" And her eyes roved with love in them from far horizon to far horizon. "I suppose you do not attempt to analyse it? You are content to care unquestioningly."
"Yes"—with an effort—"after a time, one just cares."
"And at first?..."
"At first one has to find one's footing, so to speak. She is somewhat the bewildering, uncomfortable stranger to the new-comer."
She marvelled that he should say so much, but hid her pleasure lest she should unwittingly change his mood.