The man's eyes came alive. "You're serious? You think that from what I told you, you'll be able to guess where I came from?"
"I used the word 'might.' Don't get your hopes up too much."
His face fell again. "Thanks for warning me," he said in a flat tone.
When, later on, he had gone to his room, Carol said, "Dad, do you really think you can help him?"
"That depends on your idea of help. Why are you so interested in him? Perhaps you're falling in love with him, Carol?"
"I think so."
"Under the circumstances, that's completely idiotic. Would there be any sense in asking why you fell in love with him?"
"Well, he looked so lost! I guess it's maternal—"
"As genuine a case of the grand passion as I've ever encountered," he said drily. "Almost as genuine as your previous experience."
Carol flushed. "He isn't like John."