They seemed such unusual people that he was moved to unusual confidences. They had that effect one gets at times with strangers freshly met as though they were not really in the world. And there was something about Amanda that made him want to explain himself to her completely.
“What I wanted to think about was what I should do with my life.”
“Haven't you any WORK—?” asked the elder cousin.
“None that I'm obliged to do.”
“That's where a man has the advantage,” said Amanda with the tone of profound reflection. “You can choose. And what are you going to do with your life?”
“Amanda,” her mother protested, “really you mustn't!”
“I'm going round the world to think about it,” Benham told her.
“I'd give my soul to travel,” said Amanda.
She addressed her remark to the salad in front of her.
“But have you no ties?” asked Mrs. Wilder.