human
Sorry I couldn't talk longer, Chase.
gpt
It's all right,
human
I hope nothing serious, Mother?
gpt
I've a miserable headache again. Why were you so long?
human
I was with Governor Chase.
gpt
And what did the old snake in the grass want this time?
human
You should be more careful, Mother. Servants shouldn't hear you say things like that----
gpt
I'll say just what I think when I'm talking to you, Father--what did he want?
human
He offered his resignation as my Secretary of the Treasury.
gpt
And you?
human
Refused to accept it.
gpt
O my Lord, you're too good and simple for this world! You're a babe--a babe in the woods with wolves prowling after you from every tree and you won't see them! You know that he's a candidate against you for the Presidency, don't you?
human
Yes.
gpt
You know that he never loses an opportunity to sneer at you behind your back?
human
I've heard so.
gpt
You know that he's hand in glove with the conspirators in Congress who are trying to pull you down?
human
Perhaps.
gpt
You know that he's the greatest letter writer of the age? That he writes as many letters to your generals in the field as old Winter--that he writes to every editor he knows and every politician he can influence, and that the purpose of these letters is always the same--to pull you down?
human
Possibly.
gpt
You have this chance to put your foot on this frozen snake's head and yet you bring him into your house again to warm him into life?
human
Chase is a great Secretary of the Treasury, my dear. The country needs him. I can't afford to take any chances just now of a change for the worse.
gpt
He has no idea of leaving. He's only playing a game with you to strengthen himself--can't you see this?
human
Maybe.
gpt
And yet you submit to such infamy in your own Cabinet?
human
It's not a crime, Mother, to aspire to high office. The bee is in poor Chase's bonnet. He can't help it. I've felt the thing tickle myself. If he can beat me let the best man win----
gpt
Don't--don't--don't say such fool things, his wife cried.
human
I'll scream! You need a guardian. You have three men in your Cabinet who are using their positions to climb into the Presidency over you--old Seward, Chase and now Stanton, and you smile and smile and let them think you don't know. You'll never have a united and powerful administration until you kick those scoundrels out----
gpt
Mother--Mother--you mustn't----
human
I will--I'll tell you the truth--nobody else does. I tell you to kick these scoundrels out and put men in their places who will loyally support you and your policies!
gpt
I've no right in such an hour to think of my own ambitions, my dear, was the even, quiet answer.
human
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----
gpt
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?
human
No.
gpt
I think, Father, you're the most headstrong man that God ever made!
human
And yet they say I'm a good-natured, easy-going fellow with no convictions?
gpt
They don't know you----
human
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.
gpt
I suppose so,
human
But tell me, he cried cheerfully,
gpt
It doesn't matter whether I did or not. You refuse to listen to my advice.
human
What can I do, Mother?
gpt
I need some money. Since Willie's death last winter I've thought nothing of my dresses for the next season. I must begin to attend to them. I need a thousand dollars.
human
To-day?
gpt
Yes.
human
Send Phoebe in for the check.
gpt
Ring for her, please.
human
Mother, he said at last,