They talked of the weather, of course.

Mr.Hickson reasoned that it was foolish to complain about something which they could not possible control.

Dorian was introduced as a traveler, no explanation being asked or given as to his business.
He was welcome.

In fact, it was a pleasure, said the host, to have company even for an evening, as very few people ever stopped over night, especially in the winter.

Dorian soon discovered that this man was not a rough mountaineer, but a man of culture, trying to prolong his earth-life by the aid of mountain air, laden with the aroma of the pines.