"You're looking——"
"You're so——"
"Nice trip? You know you've sent me nothing but postcards with 'Pretty town,' or something equally sentimental."
"Yes, it's really been bully. These mountains and big spaces simply inspire me." She said it rather defiantly.
"Of course they do! Trouble is, with you away, we've nothing to inspire us!"
"Do you need anything, with your office and your club?"
"Why, Claire!"
"I'm sorry. That was horrid of me."
"Yes, it was. Though I don't mind. I'm sure we've all become meek, missing you so. I'm quite willing to be bullied, and reminded that I'm a mere T.B.M."
She had got herself into it; she had to tell him that he wasn't just a business man; that she had "just meant" he was so practical.