The two men went East together.
On the way, Burr told much of his life––probably more than he had told before in years. He knew that the sympathy of Ellis was sincere, and a disinterested motive was with him a new thing, a key to confidence.
A woman was at this time, and had been for years, foremost in Burr’s mind. He was going to see her now; beyond that his plans were dim. During a career of politics, there had crept into the man’s life much that was hard and worldly; but this attachment was from ambition far apart––his most sacred thing.
She was a brilliant woman, this friend of Burr’s; one whom many sought; but it was not this which influenced him. She had been his best friend, and had taken him into her own home during the darkest hour of his life, when condemnation was everywhere. Gossip had fluttered, but to no avail. Burr never forgot a friend, and in this case it was more than friendship: it was a genuine love that lasted; for 328 years later, in his old age and hers as well, old Jumel mansion made gay at their wedding.
“What do you expect to do?” asked Burr of Ellis.
“Anything just now that will make me forget,” answered the countryman, quickly. “So there’s enough of it is all that I ask. I’m going to get a little more education first. Sometime I’ll study law––that is, if I’m here ‘sometime.’ I’ve got to be where there’s life and action. I’ll never end by being common.” He paused a moment, and on his face there formed the peculiar heavy look that had confronted Clayton; a mask that hid a determination, which nothing of earth could shake. He finished slowly: “I’ll either be something, or nothing.”
Biographers leave the impression that at this time Burr was devoid of prestige on earth. Politically, this is true; but respecting his standing with the legal fraternity, it is wholly false. He had influence, and he used it, securing the stranger a place in a New York office, where his risk depended only upon himself. More than this, he gave Ellis money. 329
“You can pay me any interest you wish,” said he when the latter protested.