is very charming. But, Crane, it's bad manners to call ladies by their first names." Thorndyke used the old-fashioned word "ladies" where the moderns say "women."
Crane coloured furiously. He did not mind in the least being coached in legislative affairs, but he winced at being taught manners. However, he had the highest admiration for Thorndyke's manners, so he replied, carelessly:
"I accept the amendment. As you say, Con—Miss Maitland is very charming, and has been charming men for the past twenty years. Now, in Circleville she would have been called an old maid ten years ago."
Yes, of course, she had always had a train of men after her, and the fact that she remained unmarried showed either that she had no heart—or—sometimes a wild thought had crossed Thorndyke's mind—suppose Constance Maitland still remembered him? This thought, coming into his head, set his heart to pounding like a steam-engine while Crane talked on.
"That woman epitomises the charm of Washington life to me. First, she is unlike any woman I
