Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/135

 Crane felt humiliated and disappointed. In all honesty, he could not imagine why he, with his recognised talents, his extreme good looks, his fondness for society, should have no such social triumphs as that long, lean, lanky Texan. He had not grasped the truth that society is a pure democracy, and until a man has abandoned all pretensions to superiority he will not be acceptable in it.

Just then, along the dusky street a carriage came rolling. At Thorndyke's door it stopped, a footman descended from the box and assisted Senator Bicknell to alight.

"The Senator has come hunting you up," Thorndyke remarked to Crane. "When a man is anxious enough to see you to come after you, it is generally possible to make your own terms with him."

Crane's backbone was considerably stiffened by this remark of Thorndyke's, and then Senator Bicknell walked in the room and greeted Thorndyke and Crane affably. He made an elaborate apology for seeking Crane, but said frankly he wished to discuss some matters of State politics with him.

Thorndyke at once rose to leave the room, but Crane, asking Senator Bicknell if he had any ob