So long estranged by fate and circumstances, they needed something slight and casual to run before and throw open the doors of intercourse, so that their real thoughts might be led across the threshold.

• 由于命运和环境这多年来将他们相互隔绝，他们就需要些轻松的阔谈来开头，然后再敞开交谈的大门，把他们的真实思想领进门垠。