“I’ve been confessing how very foolish I’ve been the last few months.”
“Foolish in what, Josephine?”
“Foolish in my jealousy of you.”
“Jealousy? What cause have I given you for jealousy? I’ve been too much bothered about public matters to have time to think of any woman but you.”
“That’s partly true. But don’t I know what you most desire of earthly things?”
“Of course! You know I desire the success of the Southern Confederacy, corner-stone and all.”
“No, not that. You covet one thing even more than that.”
“Indeed! What is it?”
“A legitimate child who may inherit your wealth, and transmit your name.”
“Yes, I’d like a child. But we must take things as they come along. You mustn’t be jealous because now and then I may have dropped a hint of regret that I’ve no direct heir to my estate.”