"Oh, of course," I said quickly. "It is ridiculous to suppose that a man and woman can't be friends withoutwithout"
"Yes?" she said encouragingly.
"Oh, wellI suppose I mean without falling in love with each other."
She smiled in a way that puzzled me a little, but said nothing.
"Do you mean in all cases?" she suddenly inquired.
"In most cases, anyway."
"And when would you make an exception?"
This was a problem I felt I could not solve. However, I made a dash at it.
"In the case of people of abnormally susceptible temperament," I said, "I suppose such people couldn't be friends without soon becomingwell, lovers."
"Ah, I see," she observed thoughtfully.