'By the way,' he said at length, 'have you not been in Norway with the Wylies?'
The young artist had at one time been a protégé of Mrs. Wylie's, but her protection had been gradually withdrawn.
'The fair Brenda was with them, n'est-ce pas?'
Trist broke his bread with grave deliberation and looked stolid. After a momentary pause he raised his eyes to his companion's face.
'Eh?' he murmured softly.
'Miss Gilholme,' explained the other, with an involuntary change of manner.
'Yes, she was there.'
'I thought,' reflected Hicks aloud, as he stroked his moustache contentedly, 'that I remembered her telling me that she was going to Norway. How is she?'
'Very well, thank you.'
'Is she any stouter?' with affectionate interest.