"I was saying that you will find many changes when you get back."
"I find them already, Mrs. Talbot. They rather loom up. It is sudden, you see."
"Yes, you've been away a long time, I understand. In the far East?"
Mrs. Talbot was the first person who had asked me a question. Evidently hers were the manners of an older generation, and for once I had to admit that the younger generation had improved.
But I recalled the old defensive armor against the old assaults.
"Quite a while," I answered cheerfully, "Quite a while. Now what should you think would impress me most—in the way of change?"
"The women," she answered promptly.
I smiled my gallantest, and replied, bowing:
"I find them still charming."
Her set face broke into a pleased smile.