Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/295

 Chapter Thirteen

WAR AND PEACE

Crane remained perfectly silent. He did not speak a word from the time they left Senator Bicknell's house until they reached home. Annette said nothing to him. The conviction was deepening in her mind that her husband had secretly behaved ill to Senator Bicknell. Crane had revealed unconsciously that night many things which Senator Bicknell had not understood, but which Annette understood only too well. The slight agitation and discomposure which Crane had shown was not the mere shock of a grateful surprise. Annette detected that every word Crane had uttered to Senator Bicknell was false; that his apparent acceptance of the offer was false. The money was much—much to her; the loss of it, after it had been held up to her gaze, would be much; but the loss of Crane's integ