human
Pardon me, said he, and his voice was cold;
gpt
I thought I had cut all ties.
human
Knit them again for my sake, then, Meriwether Lewis! I have brought you a summons to return.
gpt
A summons? From whom?
human
My father--Mr. Merry--Señor Yrujo. They were at our home all night. We could not--they could not--I could not--bear to see you sacrifice yourself. This expedition can only fail! I implore you not to go upon it! Do not let your man's pride drive you!
gpt
It does drive me, indeed, said he simply.
human
I am under orders--I am the leader of this expedition of my government. I do not understand----
gpt
At this hour--on this errand--only one motive could have brought me! It is your interest. Oh, it is not for myself--it is for your future.
human
Why did you come thus, unattended? There is something you are concealing. Tell me!
gpt
Ah, you are harsh--you have no sympathy, no compassion, no gratitude! But listen, and I will tell you. My father, Mr. Merry, the Spanish minister, are all men of affairs. They have watched the planning of this expedition. Why fly in the face of prophecy and of Providence? That is what my father says. He says that country can never be of benefit to our Union--that no new States can be made from it. He says the people will pass down the Mississippi River, but not beyond it; that it is the natural line of our expansion--that men who are actual settlers are bound not into the unknown West, but into the well-known South. He begs of you to follow the course of events, and not to fly in the face of Providence.
human
You speak well! Go on.
gpt
England is with us, and Spain--they back my father's plans.
human
Plans? What plans? I must warn you, I am pledged to my own country's service.
gpt
Is not my father also? He is one of the highest officers in the government of this country.
human
You may tell me more or not, as you like.
gpt
There is little more to tell, said she.
human
These gentlemen have made certain plans of which I know little. My father said to me that Thomas Jefferson himself knows that this purchase from Napoleon cannot be made under the Constitution of the United States--that, given time for reflection, Mr. Jefferson himself will admit that the Louisiana purchase was but a national folly from which this country cannot benefit. Why not turn, then, to a future which offers certainties? Why not come with us, and not attempt the impossible? That is what he said. And he asked me to implore you to pause.
gpt
He only besought me to induce you, if I could, either to abandon your expedition wholly as soon as you honorably might do so, or to go on with it only to such point as will prove it unfeasible and impracticable. Not wishing you to prove traitorous to a trust, these gentlemen wish you to know that they would value your association--that they would give you splendid opportunity. With men such as these, that means a swift future of success for one--for one--whom I shall always cherish warmly in my heart.
human
It is an extraordinary matter in every way which you bring for me, he said slowly;
gpt
It is difficult for me to tell you. But my father knew the antagonism between Mr. Jefferson and himself, and knew your friendship for Mr. Jefferson. He knew also the respect, the pity--oh, what shall I say?--which I have always felt for you--the regard----
human
Regard! What do you mean?
gpt
I did not mean regard, but the--the wish to see you succeed, to help you, if I could, to take your place among men. I told you that but yesterday.
human
I have listened long enough to have my curiosity aroused. I shall have somewhat to ponder--on the trail to the West.
gpt
Then you mean that you will go on?
human
Yes!
gpt
You do not understand----
human
No! I understand only that Mr. Jefferson has never abandoned a plan or a promise or a friend. Shall I, then, who have been his scholar and his friend?
gpt
Ah, you two! What manner of men are you that you will not listen to reason? He is high in power. Will you not also listen to the call of your own ambition? Why, in that country below, you might hold a station as proud as that of Mr. Jefferson himself. Will you throw that away, for the sake of a few dried skins and flowers? You speak of being devoted to your country. What is devotion--what is your country? You have no heart--that I know well; but I credited you with the brain and the ambition of a man!
human
Think you that I would have come here for any other man? she demanded.
gpt
Think you that I would ask of you anything to my own dishonor, or to your dishonor? But now you do not listen. You will not come back--even for me!
human
Theodosia, said he,