Gardiner's face was not expressive, but his voice told Denis that he was back among scenes which by common consent they had not mentioned before, and which Denis had no wish ever to mention again. He saw what he had brought on himself, and blessed his blundering tongue. Sure enough, after some pause the younger man asked:
"Did you ever hear any more of Mrs. Trent after I left?"
"A little, from Scott," Denis unwillingly admitted.
"From Scott? Did he write to you, then?"
"No, I saw him."
"Where? In town?"
"At Westby."
"You saw Scott at Westby?"
"I spent a week-end with him there last November," said Denis stiffly. "He asked me when we were at Easedale. He's a nice little chap. I like him."
"Well, I'm hanged!" said Gardiner, settling back his head, which he had lifted to stare at his friend. "You talk too much about your own affairs, Denis, that's what's the matter with you. Go on. What did he tell you about Mrs. Trent?"