Harlson was interested in the fraction of a second.

In the fraction of a second he knew that it was not a restaurant pure and simple that he had entered, for he had learned much already in the city.

The woman who looked at him was not merely the proprietress of a place where food was sold.
The woman did not answer at once.

She was looking at the customer.
She pulled out the chair opposite him and sat down.
"Have you lived here long ?" she said.
Harlson had been so isolated, that to have an inquiry made in relation to his personal affairs seemed droll.

It seemed something like humanity again, as well.
He studied more closely the woman opposite.