His immediate inclination is to lie, and the way he averts his eyes says as much; however, given the last conversation he had with Rey and the surprising sympathy with which she treated him in regards to Shadow, Carlisle finds himself marginally more willing to divulge the truth.

"We have all lost acquaintances here. And friends. I suppose this is the first time I have truly felt affected by it."

Which doesn't really answer her question, but it's a start.