rr 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?"

"There would be prospects for him?"

"All the prospects in the world! I would place him only second to
myself, so highly do I value his talents in an enterprise such as
this. Alston's money, but Lewis's brains and courage! They both love
you--do I not know?"

Troubled, again she turned her gaze aside.

"Listen,