Select the passage that has a more joyous tone.
It was a time when chance meetings led to long friendships. On the border, a
stranger spoke to another stranger if he or she felt like it. They could ask
questions if they chose. Partnerships were formed on the spur of the moment, and
formality
was a commodity little in demand.
It was a rapturous companionship. We enjoyed the vast delight more so because,
even in our
most ecstatic moments, we were conscious of each other's presence.
Adapted from Joseph A. Altsheler, The Quest of the Four and Fitz-James O'Brien, "What Was It?"