"You can't mean it!" she cried incredulously.
"Would you care?" he asked slowly.
"Very much," was the quick answer. "I should be shocked and disappointed in you. I've never believed for a moment that you meant what you said. I thought you were only debating the question from the Southern side."
"Tell me," Ned broke in, "does your father mean half he says about Lincoln and the South?"
"Every word he says. My father is made of the stuff that kindles martyr fires. He will march to the stake for his principles when the time comes."
"You admire that kind of man?"
"Don't you?"
"Yes. And for that reason I can't understand why you admire a trimmer and a time server."
"You mean?"
"The Rail-splitter in the White House."