“No; but one would infer that you leaned toward the rebels.”
“I do not know upon what you could base such an inference,” rejoined Mildred, “for I have not used an expression that could be construed into sympathy for either side. I told you I was speaking only on general principles.”
“Do you mind telling with which party you do sympathize?” quoth the clerk.
“I am neither politician, nor soldier, nor am I regarded as a citizen by the law,” answered Mildred. “You will, therefore, please excuse me from any expression of opinion on this subject. Why should you wish to know?”
“Why should you mind expressing an opinion?”
“It is not necessary, is it?” asked Mildred.
“No, ma’am; it is not a matter of life or death,” replied the smiling clerk, “but I can imagine no good reason why you should be so extremely cautious—that is, unless you have come upon some illegal business.”
For an instant Mildred seemed startled at this insinuation.
“I’m sure I asked a civil question,” said the clerk.