'Should you go alone ?' 'Of course.

I couldn't travel in company.

You know how impossible it would be for me to put up with the moods and idiosyncrasies of other men.' There was a quiet arrogance in his tone.

The listener still smiled, but her fingers worked nervously.
'You are not so unsocial as you pretend,' she remarked, without looking at him.
'Pretend! I make no pretences of any kind,' was his scornful answer.
'You are ungracious this evening.' 'Yes--and can't hide it.' 'Don't try to, I beg.

But at least tell me what troubles you.' 'That's impossible,' Peak replied, drily.
'Then friendship goes for nothing,' said Marcella, with a little forced laugh.
'Yes--in all but a very few human concerns.