“But do you meditate separation?” asked Mrs. Croix.  “Surely that would be as great a crime as Mr. Hamilton’s monarchical manoeuvres—­if it be true he practises such.”

“He is bold enough about them,” snorted Clinton.  “I do the man justice to recognize his insolent frankness.”

“Those I cannot say I have observed,” said Gerry.  “Nor do I think that we meditate separation.  We are struggling out of one pit.  It would be folly to dig a deeper.  And Massachusetts has a great debt, with decreasing revenue for interest and redemption.  I am not sure that assumption would not be to her advantage.  She stood the brunt of the war.  It is but fair that she should have relief now, even at the expense of other States whose debt is insignificant; and she is able to take care of herself against the Federal government—­”

“The brunt of the war!” exclaimed the Attorney-General of the Cabinet, who, with the Speaker of the House, had just entered, and who had controlled himself with difficulty for several seconds.  “I beg to assure you, sir, that Virginia may claim that honour.  Her glorious patriotism, her contributions in men and money—­they exceeded those of any State in the Union, sir.”

Gerry laughed.  “I have no means of comparison by which patriotism may be measured, Mr. Randolph,” he said.  “But we can produce figures, if necessary, to prove our title to supremacy in the other matters you mention.  As you have reduced your debt, however, by an almost total repudiation of your paper money—­”

“How about Mr. Madison?” asked Mrs. Croix, hurriedly.  “He is your fellow-statesman, Mr. Randolph, but he is Mr. Hamilton’s devoted friend and follower.  Virginia may be sadly divided.”

“My fears have decreased on that point,” said Randolph, drily.  “Mr. Madison’s loyalty toward his State increases daily.”

“So does his ambition,” observed Muhlenberg.  “If I am not mistaken, he has begun to chafe at Hamilton’s arrangement of his destinies—­and a nature like that is not without deep and sullen jealousies.  To be a leader of leaders requires a sleepless art; to lead the masses is play by comparison.  Hamilton is a magician, but he is arrogant and impatient.  With all his art and control of men’s minds, he will lose a follower now and again, and not the least important would be—­will be—­Madison.”

“Have you proof?” asked Clinton, eagerly.  “He would be of incomparable value in our ranks.  By the way, Aaron Burr is working to the front.  He is a born politician, if I am not mistaken, and is in a rapid process of education.  I feel sure that I have attached him to our cause by appointing him Attorney-General of the Staite.  He should make an invaluable party man.”