Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/283

 *ble age when we can commit all sorts of improprieties in perfect safety. It is a fine thing to grow old."

"That thought almost reconciles me to the loss of my hair," replied Thorndyke. "You will have to excuse my afternoon clothes, of course, since you have asked me to stay."

"Certainly. And out of consideration for your feelings, I shall make only a demi-toilette."

Presently they were seated at a small round table, and Scipio was serving a dainty little dinner. How young they felt! There was no débutante or fledgling youth present to remind them that Time had meddled with their hair and complexions, no elderly persons to claim them as pertaining to middle age. Thorndyke had rarely been more exhilarated in his life. There might be a morrow; nothing was changed by these stray hours of happiness, but still they were hours of happiness. As for Constance, she was radiant with pleasure, and was at no pains to conceal it. Thorndyke, it is true, always found misery and disappointment waiting for him at his lodgings whenever he re