"Occasionally we are struck by some exceptional aspect [of a stranger] instantly awakening our interest. ... In short, in most instances [a stranger] turns out to be like a meteoric stone in a field. There it lies. The neighbours have their say about it, and an odd enough say it may prove. But what is it? Whence did it come? In what unimaginable sphere did it get that strange, igneous, metallic look, the kine now cropping the dewy grass about it?"

from Daniel Orme
Herman Melville, circa 1890