country can never be of
benefit to our Union--that no new States can be made from it. He says
the people will pass down the Mississippi River, but not beyond it;
that it is the natural line of our expansion--that men who are actual
settlers are bound not into the unknown West, but into the well-known
South. He begs of you to follow the course of events, and not to fly
in the face of Providence."

"You speak well! Go on."

"England is with us, and Spain--they back my father's plans."

He turned now and raised a hand.

"Plans? What plans? I must warn you, I am pledged to my own country's
service."

"Is not my father also? He is one of the highest officers in the
government of this country."

"You may tell me more or not, as you like."

"There is little more to tell," said she. "These gentlemen have made
certain plans of which I know little. My father said to me that Thomas
Jefferson himself knows that this purchase from Napoleon cannot be
made under the Constitution of the United States--that, given time for
reflection, Mr. Jefferson himself will admit that the Louisiana
purchase was but a national folly from which this country cannot
benefit. Why not turn, then, to a future which offers certainties? Why
not come with us, and not attempt the impossible? That is what he
said. And he asked me to implore you to pause."

He sat motionless, looking straight ahead, as she went on.

"He only besought me to induce you, if I could, either to abandon
your expedition wholly as soon as you honorably might do so, or to
go on with it only to such point as will prove it unfeasible and
impracticable. Not wishing you to prove traitorous to a trust,
these gentlemen wish you to know that they would value your
association--that they would give you splendid opportunity. With men
such as these, that means a swift future of success for one--for
one--whom I shall always cherish warmly in my heart."

The color was full in her face. He turned toward her suddenly, his eye
clouded.

"It is an extraordinary matter in every way which you bring for me,"
he said slowly; "extraordinary that foreigners, not friends of this
country, should call themselves the friends of an officer sworn to the
service of the republic! I confess I do not understand it. And why
send you?"

"It is difficult for me to tell you. But my father knew the antagonism
between Mr. Jefferson and himself, and knew your friendship for Mr.
Jefferson. He knew also the resp