Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/226

 are accustomed to negro servants never complain of them."

"Because you never require anything of them; however," added Thorndyke, "I'll admit there seems to be a comfortable sort of arrangement between you. It would drive any but Southern people mad, but you don't seem to mind it."

Then Constance, turning to Annette, said she would be so glad if she and Mr. Crane would pay her a visit during the summer. Annette's eyes sparkled; it was a distinct triumph for her, because she knew, and knew that Crane knew, that he never would have been asked but for her. She thanked Constance warmly, but said she was afraid it was impossible—she never went away from Circleville in summer; and Constance, seeing longing in Thorndyke's eye, repeated her invitation to him, and made his middle-aged heart beat fast by doing it; and then it was time to go, and the train pulled out, and Constance was gone.

Thorndyke put Annette on her suburban car, and walked back to his lodgings, through the hot, bright streets—hot and bright in spite of the lush greenness of the shade. But the day had turned