The towns appeared to be very small
in comparison with the great purple mountains behind them.
"Honestly, though," said Clarissa, having looked, "I don't like views.
They're too inhuman." They walked on.
"How odd it is!" she continued impulsively. "This time yesterday we'd
never met. I was packing in a stuffy little room in the hotel. We know
absolutely nothing about each other--and yet--I feel as if I _did_ know
you!"
"You have children--your husband was in Parliament?"
"You've never been to school, and you live--?"
"With my aunts at Richmond."
"Richmond?"
"You see, my aunts like the Park. They like the quiet."
"And you don't! I understand!" Clarissa laughed.
"I like walking in the Park alone; but not--with the dogs," she
finished.
"No; and some people _are_ dogs; aren't they?" said Clarissa, as if she
had guessed a secret. "But not every one--oh no, not every one."
"Not every one," said Rachel, and stopped.
"I can quite imagine you walking alone," said Clarissa: "and
thinking--in a little world of your own. But how you will enjoy it--some
day!"
"I shall enjoy walking with a man--is that what you mean?" said Rachel,
regarding Mrs. Dalloway with her large enquiring eyes.
"I wasn't thinking of a man particularly," said Clarissa. "But you
will."
"No. I shall never marry," Rachel determined.
"I shouldn't be so sure of that," said Clarissa.
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