I was sure that he had not held this umbrella when he started by me on the run.

"If so, will you allow me to walk beside you for a little way ?" I could not refuse him; besides, I was not sure that I wanted to.

Homely as any man I had ever seen, there was a magnetic quality in his voice and manner that affected even one so fastidious as myself.

I felt that I had rather talk to him, at that moment, than to any other person I knew.

Of course, curiosity had something to do with it, and that community of interest which is the strongest bond that can link two people together.
"You are quite welcome," said I; and again cast my eye at the umbrella.
"You are wondering where I got this," he remarked, looking down at it in his turn.