"Seward is the best man for his place I know
in the country. Stanton is making the most efficient War Secretary we
have ever had. Chase is a great manager of our Treasury. I'm afraid to
risk a new man. If these men can win over me by rendering their country
a greater service than I can, they ought to win----"
"But can't you see, you big baby, that it isn't the man who really gives
the greatest service that may win? It's the liar and hypocrite
undermining his Chief who may win. Won't you have common sense and send
those men about their business? Surely you won't lose this chance to get
rid of Chase. Won't you accept his resignation?"
"No."
There was a moment's tense silence. The wife looked up appealingly and
the rugged hand touched hers gently.
"I think, Father, you're the most headstrong man that God ever made!"
The dark, wistful face brightened:
"And yet they say I'm a good-natured, easy-going fellow with no
convictions?"
"They don't know you----"
"I'm sorry, Mother, we don't see it the same way, but one of us has to
decide these things, and I suppose I'm the one."
"I suppose so," she admitted wearily.
"But tell me," he cried cheerfully, "what can I do right now to make you
happy? You sent for me for something. You didn't know that Chase was
there, did you?"
She hesitated and answered cautiously:
"It doesn't matter whether I did or not.
Pages:
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320