About her mother--a good deal." "I wonder why." Max spoke somewhat curtly.
Nick lighted his cigarette with a whimsical expression.

"You don't seem to have noticed what an excellent confidant I make," he said.
"Ah, I know you are safe." There was conviction in Max's tone.

"But Kersley is such a reserved chap.

And--that ancient affair ruined his life." "I gathered that," said Nick.

"As a matter of fact, I knew a little of the affair before we met.