Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/122

 "No," he said. "I know what you would do—through Thorndyke. But it is not to be thought of. With all my shortcomings, I can't think of borrowing money from a woman. But your suggestion is admirable—the payment of the money is necessary. It is not much."

Crane named something under a thousand dollars—and then fell silent.

"Mr. Crane," said Constance, after a while, "what advice do you think your wife would give you as to that money?"

Crane smiled a little.

"Annette is a regular Spartan when it comes to practical matters. She would advise me to give up my rooms at the expensive hotel and go into the country near by for the balance of the session."

"Could any advice be more judicious?" asked Constance. "And is it any disadvantage to a public man, who is known to be a poor man, to live plainly?"

"By Heaven!" exclaimed Crane. "You are right! It would show those fellows in the Legislature next January that I have clean hands. What an admirable suggestion! And I can save at least