"No."

"Do you mean to say that you were this man's intimate friend for years — actually lived with him for four years — and yet know nothing of his past?"

"I know quite a lot about his past, but not that. You didn't know Bert or you wouldn't expect him to tell me. He wasn't secretive in ordinary things — only in special things."

"Why was he going to America?"

"I don't know. I told you I thought he hadn't been happy lately. He never was exactly bubbling over, but lately — well, it's been more of an atmosphere than anything you could give a name to."

"Was he going alone?"

"Yes."

"Not with a woman?"

"Certainly not," said Lamont sharply, as if Grant had insulted him or his friend.

"How do you know?"