I have not, of course, seen her since.

I want you to tell me about her." Mrs.Repton looked him over with a careful scrutiny.
"Mrs.Carruthers has no doubt told you that she married very well." "Yes; and that Ballantyne is a remarkable man," said Thresk.
Mrs.Repton nodded.
"Very well then ?" she said, and her voice was a challenge.
"I am not contented," Thresk replied.

Mrs.Repton turned her eyes to her plate and said demurely: "There might be more than one reason for that." Thresk abandoned all attempt to fence with her.

Mrs.Repton was not of those women who would lightly give their women-friends away.

Her phrase "my Stella" had, besides, revealed a world of love and championship.
Thresk warmed to her because of it.