I rose and laid my hand upon the door- knob.

He should not find me unprepared.

He smiled, reassuringly, however, and held out his hand.
"I've been thinking," he said, "that maybe I was a little rude just now.
I should like, if you will let me, to explain.

I think, when you have heard my story, you will understand, and forgive me." There was that about him which made me trust him.

We found a quiet corner in the smoking-car.