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him, and he found himself smiling at him he knew not why.
Philip did not bore him. Once or twice he put his hand on
his shoulder: it was as near a caress as he had got since his
daughter left England so many years before. When the time
came for Philip to go Doctor South accompanied him to the
station: he found himself unaccountably depressed.
‘I’ve had a ripping time here,’ said Philip. ‘You’ve been
awfully kind to me.’
‘I suppose you’re very glad to go?’
‘I’ve enjoyed myself here.’
‘But you want to get out into the world? Ah, you have
youth.’ He hesitated a moment. ‘I want you to remember
that if you change your mind my offer still stands.’
‘That’s awfully kind of you.’
Philip shook hands with him out of the carriage window,
and the train steamed out of the station. Philip thought of
the fortnight he was going to spend in the hop-field: he was
happy at the idea of seeing his friends again, and he rejoiced
because the day was fine. But Doctor South walked slowly
back to his empty house. He felt very old and very lonely.

Of Human Bondage