forgetful that he was making formidable enemies for himself without in
the least advancing the welfare of him or her whose defence he had
undertaken. With some words and looks the storm was allayed, and they
felt that the wind that might have capsized had carried their craft
nearer the port where they were steering. Their eyes met, and for a
moment they looked into each other's souls. Her arm hung by her side,
white and pure, could he take it and press it to his lips the worst
would be over--he would have admitted his desire. But the box curtain
did not hide him, and the faces opposite seemed to watch; and then she
spoke, and with her words brought a sense of distance, of
conventionality.

"Tell me, did you fall in love with her the first time you saw her?"

"I think so."

"Tell me all about it. When did you see her for the first time?"

"It was on the Metropolitan Railway. We were in the same carriage, she
sat opposite to me; for some time we were alone, and I thought of
speaking to her, but was afraid of offending her."

"Are you always afraid of offending people?"

"I don't know--I don't think I am." Then it struck him that she was
alluding to his rudeness, which she declared she had forgiven, and he
said: "I am sure I can't do more, I told you I was sorry--that I did
not mean--"

"Oh, never mind, that is forgiven; tell me about her."