The three sat and looked each at the other for some time without comment.
“I find Colonel Burr’s brain active in all ways!” began Señor Yrujo dryly. “Now I confess that he goes somewhat in advance of mine.”
“Listen,” said Aaron Burr. “What Mr. Jefferson said of Captain Lewis is absolutely true—his will has never been known to relax or weaken. Once resolved, he cannot change—I will not say he does not, but that he cannot.”
“Then even the unusual weapon you suggest might not avail!” Mr. Merry’s smile was not altogether pleasant.
“Women would listen to him readily, I think,” remarked Yrujo.
“Gallant in his way, yes,” said Burr.
“Then what do you mean by saying something about the way of a woman with a man?”
“Only that it is the last remaining opportunity for us,” rejoined Aaron Burr. “The appeal to his senses—of course, we will set that aside. The appeal to his chivalry—that is better! The appeal to his ambition—that is less, but might be used. The appeal to his sympathy—the wish to be generous with the woman who has not been generous with him, for the reason that she could not be—here again you have another argument which we may claim as possible.”
“You reason well,” said Merry. “But while men are mortal, yonder, if I mistake not, is a gentleman.”