human
How swiftly and beautifully you work, Ned!
gpt
How would you like me for a steady gardener?
human
I hope you're not going to lose your job on your brother's paper?
gpt
It's possible.
human
Why?
gpt
We don't agree on politics.
human
A reporter don't have to agree with an editor. He only obeys orders.
gpt
That's it, Ned answered, with a firm snap of his strong jaw.
human
I'm not going to take orders from this Government many more days from the present outlook.
gpt
You're not really going to join the rebels?
human
Perhaps.
gpt
You can't mean it!
human
Would you care?
gpt
Very much, was the quick answer.
human
I should be shocked and disappointed in you. I've never believed for a moment that you meant what you said. I thought you were only debating the question from the Southern side.
gpt
Tell me, Ned broke in,
human
Every word he says. My father is made of the stuff that kindles martyr fires. He will march to the stake for his principles when the time comes.
gpt
You admire that kind of man?
human
Don't you?
gpt
Yes. And for that reason I can't understand why you admire a trimmer and a time server.
human
You mean?
gpt
The Rail-splitter in the White House.
human
But he's not! Betty protested.
gpt
I can feel the hand of steel beneath his glove--wait and see.
human
Let Ephraim alone, he's joined to his idols! As our old preacher used to say in Missouri. Your delusion is hopeless. It's well the President is safely married.
gpt
I am ordered by the administration, he gravely continued,
human
He sent this to me?
gpt
Ordered me to serve it on you at once--my excuse for coming at this unseemly hour.
human
But why?
gpt
I gave him a hint of your opinion of his Inaugural. I think it's a case of a drowning man grasping a straw.
human
Well, this is splendid!
gpt
You take it seriously?
human
It's a great honor.
gpt
And are you going?
human
I'd go to-night if it were possible--to-morrow sure----
gpt
I've a strange presentiment that something wonderful will come of this meeting.
human
No doubt of it. When Senator Winter's daughter becomes the champion of the 'Slave Hound of Illinois' there'll be a sensation in the Capital gossip to say nothing of what may happen at home.
gpt
I'll risk what happens at home, Ned! My father has two great passions, the hatred of Slavery and the love of his frivolous daughter. I can twist him around my little finger----
human
Do you doubt it, sir?
gpt
No, he answered with a frown, dropping his voice to low tender tones.
human
But would you mind telling me, Miss Betty, why you called me 'Mr. Ned' the other day when I introduced you to John?
gpt
I must have done it unconsciously.
human
Please don't do it again. It hurts. You've called me Ned too long to drop it now, don't you think?
gpt
Yes.
human
Good-bye--Ned!