"What can I do, father?"
"In the morning that young man will start. It is now two by the clock. We are late. He will start with the rising sun. It is doubtful if he will see his bed at all tonight."
"You have called me for a strange errand, father," said Theodosia Alston, at length. "So far as my brain grasps these things, I go with you in your plans. I could plan no treachery against this country, nor could you--you are its sworn servant, its high official."
"Treachery? No, it is statesmanship, it is service to mankind!"
"My consent to that, yes. But as to seeing Captain Lewis, there is, as you know, but one way. I go not as Theodosia Burr, but as Mrs. Alston of Carolina. I am a woman of honor; he is a man of honor. No argument on earth would avail with him except such as might be based upon honor and loyalty. Nor would any argument, even if offered by my father, avail otherwise with me."
She turned upon him now the full gaze of her dark eyes, serious, luminous, yet tender, her love for him showing so clearly that he came to her softly, took her hands, caught her to his bosom, and kissed her tenderly.
"Theodosia," said he, "aid me! If the fire of my ambition has consumed me, I have come to you, because I know your love, because I know your loyalty! I have not slept tonight," he added, passing a hand across his forehead.
"There will be no more sleep for me tonight," was her reply.
"You will see him in the morning?"
"Yes."