Kate readily entered the carriage, the doctor seated himself by her side, and the horses sped away.
“Is there not a sort of indefinable recognition of approach and presence, by which we may sometimes become aware of the proximity of people before seeing them?” began the doctor. “I was thinking of you as I rode along, and here you are!”
Kate did not say that she had also thought of the doctor that morning. She only replied:
“Yes, I think there is often something of that sort. And recognition goes farther, too. We may often see a man’s invisible soul, paradoxically speaking, against his will, and without desire. There is something, too, about a person that radiates, as it were, and unconsciously to himself and others affects those with whom he comes in contact. I suppose it affects sometimes from afar, as I did you this morning.”
Dr Fox looked at Kate curiously.
“You are a novelty in this part of the world,” he said. “I suppose no other woman this side an ocean voyage could talk like that.”
“That may be true,” said Kate, unaffectedly. “Women about here are not thinkers along certain lines. But I have a belief that moral and spiritual atmosphere has an extent and influence of which we little dream.”
There was silence for a moment. Then, with a quick transition, Kate again spoke:
“Isn’t this glorious? I am never happier than when I am behind fine horses, riding over a good road.”
“I think, then, I see the way to giving you happiness,” said the doctor, “and at the same time getting a good deal for myself. You seem like a bit of my native land again.”