Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/123

 enough to pay half what I owe on that note before the end of the session!"

"You forget," said Constance, gently, "that the suggestion really is your wife's. Perhaps, if you had listened to her oftener, you would have found life easier. You are, perhaps, like many another man—he marries a pretty little thing, and she remains to him a pretty little thing. Meanwhile, she may have developed a capacity for affairs far superior to his."

Crane did not like the hint that perhaps Annette's head for affairs was better than his, but he had heard several home-truths that afternoon.

He rose to go, and his changed aspect confirmed his words when he said earnestly to Constance:

"I came in here with shame and despair in my heart. I go away enlightened and encouraged and comforted beyond words. You will at least let me say that it is to you I owe it."

"Good-bye," replied Constance, cheerfully.

The feeling that another woman's husband or lover can be enlightened, encouraged, and comforted by her is a very awkward circumstance to a woman of sense.