Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/305

 "I said yes, but that was crime enough. He reflected a while, and then he held out his hand and said:

"'Let bygones be bygones. Sanders will make you pay for this, and that will be punishment enough. But I am ready and willing to believe that, no matter how much you might have agreed to knife me, when the time came you wouldn't have done it. At the first moment we meet in private, at the first hint of kindness on my part, your resolution to do me wrong melts away. That must count.'

"'And something else,' I said. 'Of course, I can't accept the benefit you thought to confer on me. That would invalidate all.'

"'What does your wife say to this?' he said. 'You remember the offer was made in her presence. Or does she know that you wish to refuse it?'

"'My wife would not let me take it if I wished to,' I replied. 'She is a much more high-minded person than I am or ever can be.'

"'She must indeed be high-minded,' he said, 'and you are right in saying that to accept it would invalidate everything. I am of the opinion