human
We are especially glad always to hear of our friends from the Southwest,
gpt
It is fate, Señor, said she, again casting down her eyes, and spreading out her hands as in resignation,
human
That may be, said Mr. Calhoun.
gpt
Perhaps fate, also, that those of kin should cling together.
human
How can a mere woman know?
gpt
Dear Señora, said Mr. Calhoun,
human
How indeed, Señor?
gpt
What if my young aide here, Mr. Trist, should tell you that he has seen your husband some hundreds of miles away and in conference with a lady supposed to be somewhat friendly towards--
human
Ah, you mean that baroness--!
gpt
Mr. Pakenham, the British minister, is disposed to be friendly to this same lady. Your husband and a certain officer of the British Navy called upon this same lady last week in Montreal--informally. It is sometimes unfortunate that plans are divulged. To me it seemed only wise and fit that you should not let any of these little personal matters make for us greater complications in these perilous times. I think you understand me, perhaps, Señora Yturrio?
human
It is not within dignity, Señora, for me to make trouble between a lady and her husband. But we must have friends with us under our flag, or know that they are not our friends. You are welcome in my house. Your husband is welcome in the house of our republic. There are certain duties, even thus.
gpt
If I should recall again, gently, my dear Señora, the fact that your husband was with that particular woman--if I should say, that Mexico has been found under the flag of England, while supposed to be under _our_ flag--if I should add that one of the representatives of the Mexican legation had been discovered in handing over to England certain secrets of this country and of the Republic of Texas--why, then, what answer, think you, Señora, Mexico would make to me?
human
But Señor Calhoun does not mean--does not dare to say--
gpt
I do dare it; I do mean it! I can tell you all that Mexico plans, and all that Texas plans. All the secrets are out; and since we know them, we purpose immediate annexation of the Republic of Texas! Though it means war, Texas shall be ours! This has been forced upon us by the perfidy of other nations.