LEE—I am afraid my life is hardly worth insuring, Mr. Brown.
BROWN—It is not about that I came to see you. I understand you are not as yet permanently employed and I have come, therefore, to offer you the presidency of our company at a yearly salary of $50,000.
LEE—I thank you, sir, but I would be of no value to your company, as I know nothing whatever in regard to insurance.
BROWN—But, General, you will not be expected to do any work, what we wish is the use of your name.
LEE—My name is not for sale. I thank you, sir. Good morning. (Exit BROWN. Enter Judge Brockenborough.)
GEN. LEE—Good morning, Judge, what a pleasure to see an old friend!
JUDGE—Good morning, General, I should not have dared to call on so busy a man if I did not have a special mission. I have come to offer you the presidency of Washington College, at a salary of $1,500 a year. I am sorry we can offer no more, but the war has left the college in a wretched condition.
LEE—I am afraid because of my many enemies that my connection with the college would make its condition far more wretched.
JUDGE—No, General, the whole South loves and respects you, and if you will only accept this position you will make us the happiest of all colleges.
LEE—I would have much preferred that your choice had fallen upon an abler man. But if you really want me, I will be only too glad to come. I have led the young men of the South in battle. I have seen many of them die on the field. I shall try to devote my remaining energies to training young men to do their duty in life.