I mean the Ballantynes and the Reptons did..." "But one moment, Mrs.Carruthers," said Thresk, breaking in upon the torrent of words.

"Am I right in guessing that Mrs.Ballantyne lives in India ?" "But of course!" cried Mrs.Carruthers.
"She is actually in India now ?" "To be sure she is!" Thresk was quite taken aback by the news.
"I had no idea of it," he said slowly, and Mrs.Carruthers replied sweetly: "But lots of people live in India, Mr.Thresk.

Didn't you know that?
We are not the uttermost ends of the earth." Thresk set to work to make his peace.

He had not heard of Mrs.Ballantyne for so long.

It seemed strange to him to find himself suddenly near to her now--that is if he was near.