As Mr.
Ransom filled the two glasses, he spoke: "I have to thank you--" he began, but saw immediately that he had made a wrong start.
"For what, _Mr.Johnston_ ?" asked the other coldly.
"For giving me this opportunity to speak alone with you," Ransom explained with a nervous gesture.

"An hour of unrestrained gossip is so necessary to me after a day of hard work.

Perhaps you don't know that I am an author--have been one for seven whole hours.

I find it exhausting.
You could give me great relief by talking a little on some foreign subject, say on the one now engrossing every one in the house, the twin ladies from New York.

You were in the same coach with them.