human
Those are our big guns, he said with a smile.
gpt
The Confederate artillery can't compare with ours--their infantry is a terror--stark, dead game fighters----
human
How do you know those are our guns?
gpt
The rebels have none so large. They'll have some to-night.
human
You wish them to be captured?
gpt
It will be a wholesome lesson.
human
O John--John, dear, this is madness! General McClellan has been accused of treason already--this surely is the basest betrayal of his country----
gpt
No--it's the highest patriotism. My Commander is brave enough to dare the authorities at Washington for the good of his country. The sooner this farce under Pope ends the better--no man of second rate ability can win against the great Generals of the South.
human
I call it treachery--the betrayal of his country for his selfish ambitions! I'm surprised that you sympathize with him.
gpt
Let's not talk about it, dear. The day's too beautiful. We're alone together. This is not your battle--nor mine--it's Pope's--let him fight it out. I love you--that's all I want to think about to-day.
human
It _is_ your battle and it's mine--O John dear, I'm heartsick over it! The President's anguish clouded the morning for me, but the thought of you made me forget. Now I'm scared. You've surprised and shocked me.
gpt
Nonsense, dear!
human
You love me?
gpt
Can you doubt it?
human
With every beat of your heart?
gpt
Yes.
human
Will you do something for me?
gpt
What is it?
human
Just for me, because I ask it, John, and you love me?
gpt
If I can.
human
I want you to resign immediately from McClellan's staff, report at the War Department and let the President give you new duties----
gpt
You can't mean this?
human
I'm in dead earnest. I love you, dear, with my whole heart, and it's my love that asks this. I can't think of you betraying a solemn trust. The very thought of it cuts me to the quick. If this is true, General McClellan should be court-martialed.
gpt
Let them try it if they dare----
human
The President will dare if he believes it his duty.
gpt
Then he'll hear something from the hundred and fifty thousand soldiers who have served under McClellan.
human
Won't you, for my sake, dear,--just because I'm your sweetheart and you love me?
gpt
And you could respect a man who would do a thing like that?
human
For my sake?--Yes.
gpt
No, you think you could. But you couldn't. No woman can really love a poltroon or a coward.
human
I'm not asking you to do a cowardly thing----
gpt
To desert my leader in a crisis?
human
To wash your hands of treachery and selfish ambitions.
gpt
But it's not true, he retorted.
human
You mustn't say that. McClellan's a leader of genius--brave, true, manly, patriotic.
gpt
I've a nobler ideal of patriotism----
human
Your blundering backwoodsman in the White House?
gpt
Yes. He has but one thought--that the Union shall be saved. He has no other ambition. If McClellan succeeds, he rejoices. If he fails, he is heartbroken. I know that he has defended him against the assaults of his enemies. He has refused to listen to men who assailed his loyalty and patriotism. This generous faith your Chief is betraying to-day. That you defend him is horrible--O John, dear, I can't--I won't let you stay! You must break your connection with this conspiracy of vain ambition. The country is calling now for every true, unselfish man--please!
human
And for that very reason I stand firmly by the man I believe destined to save my country.
gpt
You won't change Commanders because I ask it?
human
Would you change because I asked it?
gpt
Yes.
human
Then come over from Lincoln to McClellan,
gpt
And join your group of conspirators--never!
human
Not if I ask it, because I love you?
gpt
Betty glanced at the stolid, set face and firm lips.
human
You'll not find this a joke!
gpt
That's why I treat it seriously, my dear, was the firm reply.
human
If I could throw up my position in this war on the sudden impulse of my sweetheart, I'd be ashamed to look a man in the face--and you would despise me!
gpt
If your Commander succeeds to-day in bringing disaster to our army I'll despise you for aiding him----
human
Let's not discuss it--please, dear!
gpt
As you please,