You can have no idea what a godsend a new face is to us poor people.

It is simply delightful to see you again, Mr.Haystoun.
You left us about sixteen months ago, didn't you?
Did you enjoy going back ?" Lewis said yes, with an absurd sense of the humour of the question.

The lady talked as if home had been merely an interlude, instead of the crisis of his life.
"And what did you do?
And whom did you see?
Please tell me, for I am dying for a gossip." "I have been home in Scotland, you know.

Looking after my affairs and idling.

I stood for Parliament and got beaten." "Really! How exciting! Where is your home in Scotland, Mr.Haystoun?
You told me once, but I have forgotten.