The author reflects on an unexpected moment of camaraderie with a Frenchman after a brief conversation. This encounter strikes him as surprising, particularly given the historical context of English and French relations. The immediate friendliness displayed by the Frenchman makes the author feel uneasy, suggesting a deeper discomfort with such rapid acceptance across cultural divides.
This sentiment reveals the author's internal conflict regarding friendship and cultural perceptions. His restlessness hints at a skepticism about the authenticity of the connection, illustrating the complexities of cross-cultural interactions. The situation provokes him to question whether such friendliness can be genuine or if it masks underlying tensions rooted in cultural histories.