Yet he was interested in the case, and although he still maintained that no practical good would result, even if a channel of communication could be opened between the two states of existence, he had listened with his customary respect to what Brenton had to say.
"Ah," said Brenton, when he saw the Frenchman, "have you any news for me ?" "Yes, I have.

I have news that I will exchange, but meanwhile I want some news from you." "I have none to give you," answered Brenton.
"If you have not, will you undertake to answer any questions I shall ask you, and not take offence if the questions seem to be personal ones ?" "Certainly," said Brenton; "I shall be glad to answer anything as long as it has a bearing on the case." "Very well, then, it has a very distinct bearing on the case.

Do you remember the girl Jane Morton ?" "I remember her, of course, as one of the servants in our employ.

I know very little about her, though." "That is just what I wish to find out.

Do you know _anything_ about her ?" "No; she had been in our employ but a fortnight, I think, or perhaps it was a month.