 so,« said the other, with some hesitation. And he added
thoughtfully, »It depends on one's temperament. Doesn't answer to be too much
alone - I speak for myself at all events. I know very few people in London -
very few that I care anything about. That, in fact, is one reason why I am
staying here longer than I intended.« He seemed to speak rather to himself than
to Godwin; the half-smile on his lips expressed a wish to disclose circumstances
and motives which were yet hardly a suitable topic in a dialogue such as this.
»I like the atmosphere of a - of a comfortable home. No doubt I should get on
better - with things in general - if I had a home of my own. I live in lodgings,
you know; my sister lives with friends. Of course one has a sense of freedom,
but then« -
    His voice murmured off into silence, and again he beat the ground with his
cane. Godwin was strongly interested in this broken revelation; he found it
difficult to understand Moxey's yearning for domesticity, all his own impulses
leading towards quite a contrary ideal. To him, life in London lodgings made
rich promise; that indeed would be freedom, and full of all manner of high
possibilities!
    Each communed with his thoughts. Happening to glance at Christian, Godwin
was struck with the graceful attitude in which the young man reclined; he
himself squatted awkwardly on the grass, unable to abandon himself in natural
repose, even as he found it impossible to talk with the ease of unconsciousness.
The contrast, too, between his garments, his boots, and those of the Londoner
was painful enough to him. Without being a dandy, Christian, it was evident,
gave a good deal of thought to costume. That kind of thing had always excited
Godwin's contempt, but now he confessed himself envious; doubtless, to be well
dressed was a great step towards the finished ease of what is called a
gentlemanly demeanour, which he knew he was very far from having attained.
    »Well,« exclaimed Christian, unexpectedly, »if I can be of ever so little
use to you, pray let me. I must get back to town in a few days, but you know my
address. Write to me, I beg, if you wish for any more information.«
    The talk turned to less difficult topics. Godwin made inquiries about
Zurich, then about Switzerland in general.
    »Did you see much of the Alps?«
    »Not as a
