Белые люди

           “No!no!no!”heexclaimed.“Youmustn’tthinkthat!Certainlynotsilly.”

           Idonotthinkheknewthatheputouthishandandgentlytouchedmyarm,asonemighttouchachildtomakeitfeelonewantedittolisten.

           “Youdon’tknow,”hesaidinhislow,slowvoice,“howgladIamthatyouhavetalkedtome.SirIansaidyouwerenotfondoftalkingtopeople,andIwantedtoknowyou.”

           “YoucareaboutplaceslikeMuircarrie.Thatiswhy,”Ianswered,feelingatoncehowmuchheunderstood.“IcareforMuircarriemorethanforalltherestoftheworld.AndIsupposeyousawitinmyface.Idaresaythatthepeoplewholovethatkindoflifecannothelpseeingitthere.”

           “Yes,”hesaid,“itisinyoureyes.ItwaswhatIsawandfoundmyselfwonderingaboutwhenIwatchedyouinthetrain.Itwasreallythemoorandthemistandthethingsyouthinkarehiddeninit.”

           “Didyouwatchme?”Iasked.“Icouldnothelpwatchingyoualittle,whenyouweresokindtothepoorwoman.Iwasafraidyouwouldseemeandthinkmerude.”

           “ItwasthefarlookinyourfaceIwatched,”hesaid.“Ifyouwillcometoteaunderthebigapple-treeIwilltellyoumoreaboutit.”

           “IndeedIwillcome,”Ianswered.“Nowwemustgoandsitamongtheotherpeople—thosewhodon’tcareaboutMuircarrieatall.”