A moment later Mrs. Wentworth drew a long breath and moistened her lips.
"You knew him at the same time that you first knew Norman, did you not?" She was simply figuring for time.
"Yes, I met him first then," said Keith.
"Don't you think Ferdy has changed since he was a boy?" she demanded after a moment's reflection.
"How do you mean?" Keith was feeling very uncomfortable, and, to save himself an answer, plunged along:
"Of course he has changed." He did not say how, nor did he give Mrs. Wentworth time to explain herself. "I will tell you one thing, though," he said earnestly: "he never was worthy to loose the latchet of your husband's shoe."
Mrs. Wentworth's face changed again; she glanced down for a second, and then said:
"You and Norman have a mutual admiration society."
"We have been friends a long time," said Keith, thoughtfully.
"But even that does not always count for so much. Friendships seem so easily broken these days."