Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/58

 "You might have done so much."

"I do not know which of us is in the wrong," she said—said it so deliberately that it might convey a thousand meanings. "But if you are waiting for me to ask you—come. Of course, I cannot ask you in now; if we were as young as we once were, it would be quite dreadful for us to be standing and talking as we are—but both being old enough to take care of ourselves, we have our liberty."

Love and hate are closely allied, and often reason alike from the same premises. As Thorndyke realised more and more that Constance Maitland still had power to disturb him powerfully he resented her ease and tranquillity—and aware of the lines in his face, conscious that he was growing bald, he felt injured at her continuing youth. Evidently, the recollections which had made him forswear love, forego wealth, and had turned him into a Congressional drudge, had left no mark on her. He took, at once, her hint to leave her, and said stiffly:

"If you will give me your key"

Constance handed it to him; he went up the steps and opened the door. The gaslight fell full upon