But they smiled at him, and he smiled back.
"Hello," he said.
It was automatic; he had said it so often before under similar circumstances of first meetings.

Besides, he could do no less.

There was that large tolerance and sympathy in his nature that would permit him to do no less.

The black-eyed girl smiled gratification and greeting, and showed signs of stopping, while her companion, arm linked in arm, giggled and likewise showed signs of halting.

He thought quickly.