human
Out with it, Miss Betty, I need it!
gpt
I said, Mr. President, that you were very tender and very strong---- she paused and looked straight into his deep set eyes
human
Thank you, Miss Betty, I shall try to prove worthy of my little champion.
gpt
I think you do things without trying, Mr. President,
human
And you don't want an office, do you?
gpt
No.
human
You have no favors to ask for your friends, have you?
gpt
None whatever.
human
And you're Senator Winter's daughter?
gpt
Yes.
human
The old grizzly bear! He hates me--but I've always liked him----
gpt
I hope you'll always like him,
human
Of course I will. I've never cherished resentments. Life's too short, and the office I fill is too big for that. Do you know why I've sent for you?
gpt
To have me flatter you, of course. All men are vain. The greater the man, the greater his vanity.
human
Honestly--no, that's not the reason, he said confidentially.
gpt
I want you to accept a position in my Cabinet.
human
I didn't know that women were admitted?
gpt
They're not, but I've always been in favor of votes for women and I'm going to make a place for you.
human
What's the salary?
gpt
No salary, save the eternal gratitude of your Chief--will you accept?
human
I'll consider it--what duty?
gpt
You have very bright, clear eyes, Miss Betty, I can see myself in them now more distinctly than in that mirror over the mantel. I'd like to borrow your eyes now and then to see things with. Will you accept the position?
human
If I can be of service, yes.
gpt
The White House is open to you at all hours, and I shall send for you sometimes when I'm blue and puzzled and want a pair of pure, beautiful, young eyes--you understand?
human
You have conferred on me a very great honor, Mr. President.
gpt
For instance now, he said dreamily:
human
You endorse my Inaugural?
gpt
I'm sure it was wise, firm, friendly, dignified.
human
I couldn't have said less than that I must possess and hold the property of the Government, could I? Well, I must now order a fleet to sail for Charleston Harbor to relieve our fort or allow the men who wear our uniform and fly our flag to die of starvation or surrender. Pretty poor Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy if I do that, am I not? Suppose I send a fleet to provision our men in Fort Sumter, not reinforce it--mind you, merely provisions for the handful of men who are there,--and suppose the Southern troops manning those land batteries open fire on our flag and force Major Anderson to surrender--what would happen in the North?
gpt
Every man, woman and child would say fight!
human
That's what I think. And at the same time something else would be happening over there---- His long arm swept toward the hills of Virginia, dark and threatening on the horizon.
gpt
The moment that shot crashes against our fort, North Carolina, Virginia, Arkansas, and Tennessee will join the Confederacy, to say nothing of what may happen in Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky and Missouri--all Slave States. The shock will be felt on both sides with precisely opposite effects. Sometimes we must do our duty and leave the rest to God, mustn't we? Yes--of course we must--and now, I've kept you too long, Miss Betty. It's a bargain, isn't it? You accept the position in my Cabinet?
human
Of course, Mr. President,--but if my duties are no heavier than I find them on this occasion, I fear I shall be of little help.
gpt
You've been of the greatest service to me. You've confirmed my decision on a great problem of State. Come now and see Mother and the children. I want you to know them and like them.