They were alike in one phase--loveless and lonely.

If he died, here in this hotel, who would care?
Or if she died, who would care?
A queer desire blossomed in her heart: to go to him, urge him to see the folly of trying to forget.

Of what use was the temporary set-back to memory, when it always returned with redoubled poignancy?
Then came another thought, astonishing.

This was the first young man who had drawn from her something more than speculative interest.

True, on board the ships she had watched young men from afar, but only with that normal curiosity which is aroused in the presence of any new species.