"Mr. Lincoln is a man of friendly, moderate opinions personally," he persistently advised. "He may he able to surround himself with a council of conservative men who will use their power to hold the radical wing of his party in check until by delay we can call a convention of all the States and in this national assembly find a solution short of bloodshed. We must try. We must exhaust every resource before we dream of war. We must accept war only when it is forced upon us by our enemies."
By telegrams and letters to every Southern leader he knew he urged delay, moderation, postponement of all action.
The week passed and the Cabinet of Buchanan had not dared accept the Southern leader's challenge to arrest and trial.
The Davis party had found their seats in the train for the South. Socola strolled the platform alone, waiting without sign of interest for the hour of departure.
Dick Welford arrived five minutes before the train left and extended his hand to Jennie.
With a bright smile she clasped his hand.
"Of course, Dick--I took your silly ravings too seriously."
"No--I was a fool. I'll make up for it. I'll go over now and shake hands with the reptile if you say so--"
"Nonsense--you'll not do anything of the sort. He's nothing to me. He's the guest of the South--that's all."
"Honest now, Jennie--you don't care for any other fellow?"
"Of course, I know that--but I can keep on trying, can't I?"
Dick grinned good-naturedly and Jennie laughed again.
"You're in for a siege with me, I'll tell you right now."
"It's a free fight, Dick. I'm indifferent to the results."
"Not in the least. At the present moment I'm a curious spectator--that's all."
"If Virginia don't secede in ten days--I will. I'll resign my job here with old Hunter and join the Confederacy. I don't like this new clerkship business anyhow--expect me in ten days--"
Before Jennie could answer he turned suddenly and left the car.
At the end of the platform he ran squarely into Socola. He was about to pass without recognition, stopped on an impulse, and extended his hand:
"Beautiful, M'sieur," was the smooth answer.
"I'm afraid I was a little rude the other day?"
"Of course, you can guess I'm in love with Miss Barton--"
"I hadn't speculated on that point!" Socola laughed.