"But, on the other hand, if that expedition of Mr. Jefferson's should succeed by virtue of accident, or of good leadership, all my plans must fail--that is plain. It comes, therefore, to this, Theo, and I may tell you plainly--Captain Lewis must be seen--he must be stopped--we must hold a conference with him. It would be useless for me to undertake to arrange all that. There is only one person who can save your father's future--and that one, my daughter, is--you!"
He caught Theodosia's look of surprise, her start, the swift flush on her cheek--and laughed lightly.
"Let me explain. Aaron Burr and all his family--all his friends--will reach swift advancement in yonder new government. Power, place--these are the things that strong men covet. That is what the game of politics means for strong men--that is why we fight so bitterly for office. I plan for myself some greater office than second fiddle in this tawdry republic along the Atlantic. I want the first place, and in a greater field! I will take my friends with me. I want men who can lead other men. I want men like Captain Lewis."
"It seems that you value him more now than once you did."
"Yes, that is true, Theo, that is true. I did not favor his suit for your hand at that time. Although he had a modest fortune in Virginia lands, he could not offer you the future assured by Mr. Alston. I was rejoiced--I admit it frankly--when I learned that young Captain Lewis came just too late, for I feared you would have preferred him. And yet I saw his quality then--Mr. Jefferson sees it--he is a good chooser of men. But Captain Lewis must not advance beyond the Ohio. That is a large task for a woman."
"What woman, father?"
A flush came to her pale cheek. Her father turned to her directly, his own piercing gaze aflame.
"There is but one woman on earth could do that, my daughter! That young man's fate was settled when he looked on that woman--when he looked on you!"
She swiftly turned her head aside, not answering.
"Am I so engaged in affairs that I cannot see the obvious, my dear?" went on the vibrant voice. "Had I no eyes for what went on at my side this very evening, at Mr. Jefferson's dinner-table? Could I fail to observe his look to you--and, yes, am I not sensible to what your eyes said to him in reply?"
"Do you believe that of me--and you my father?"
"I believe nothing dishonorable of you, my dear," said Burr. "Neither could I ask anything dishonorable. But I know what young blood will do. Your eyes said no more than that for me. I know you wish him well--know you wish well for his ambition, his success--am sure you do not wish to see him doomed to failure. What? Would you see his career blighted when it should be but begun?"