"How do you mean?"
"You are probably not advised about me. I'm a person of no consequence."
"An officer of his country's army can not say that of himself."
"But, I am no longer an officer of any army. I have been court-martialed—for my conduct there—you know—that fight at St. Genevieve. My abolitionist tendencies have always made me persona non grata in my own mess. There's been all sort of pressure brought on me to drop it. Now the government itself, not wishing these things to come to a focus, has ordered me to a court-martial. Very well, I've been sentenced. My parole is ended, for the law has acted on my conduct. Rather than go back many steps in rank, I have thrown up my commission. This morning I resigned. I am wearing my uniform, I don't doubt, for the last time."
"And that, although you fought in the cause of freedom! Although you have fought honorably in an earlier war! Is it not horrible!"
"I could not do otherwise," said he simply. "I have no regrets."
"But don't you see,"—she turned upon him suddenly—"it only leaves you all the more free!"
"I can not understand you."
"Will it not give you and your friend, Lieutenant Kammerer here, precisely the opportunity you've wished?"
"Still I do not follow you."