It will be a joy to discuss it with you. Presumptuous--Oh, my
soul!"
He caught his knee between his hands and rocked with laughter at the
memory of his Cabinet scene.
Reassured by his manner Betty leaned closer:
"You remember the morning you gave me the pass to Alexandria?"
"To see a certain young man?"
"Yes."
"Perfectly."
"You distinctly gave me the impression that morning that you were sure
General McClellan was betraying his trust in his failure to support
General Pope and that your confidence in him was gone forever."
"Did I?"
"Yes."
"Then it wasn't far from the truth," he gravely admitted.
"And yet you recalled him to the command of the army?"
"I had to."
"Had to?"
"It was the only thing to do."
Betty spoke in a whisper:
"You mean that their conspiracy had become so dangerous there was no
other way?"
He threw her a searching look, was silent a moment and slowly said:
"That's a pointed question, isn't it?"
"I'm a member of your Cabinet, you know----"
"Yes, I know--but why do _you_ happen to ask me such a dangerous
question at this particularly trying moment? Come, my little bright
eyes, out with it?"
"The certain young man and I are not very happy----"
"You've quarrelled?"
"Yes."
"About what?"
"You."
"You don't mean it, Miss Betty?" he said incredulously.
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