Troup groaned.  “And if it falls into the enemy’s hands?”

“In that case, what a hideous opportunity it would enclose, were it unsigned.”

“Oh, sign it!” said Troup, wildly.  He set his heel on the manuscript, and looked tentatively at Hamilton.  He knew the meaning of the expression he encountered, and removed his heel.  It was months since he had seen the gay sparkle in Hamilton’s eyes, humour and sweetness curving his mouth.  When Hamilton’s mouth was not as hard as iron, it relaxed to cynicism or contempt.  He was so thin that the prominence of the long line from ear to chin and of the high hard nose, with its almost rigid nostrils, would have made him look more old Roman coin than man, had it not been for eyes like molten steel.  “Politics and ambition!” thought Troup.  “What might not the world be without them?”

“Let us change the subject,” he said.  “I hear that Mrs. Croix makes a convert an hour from Federalism to Democracy.  That is the estimate.  And a small and select band know that she does it in the hope of hastening your ruin.  I must say, Hamilton, that as far as women are concerned, you are punished far beyond your deserts.  There is hardly a man in public life who has not done as much, or worse, but the world is remarkably uninterested, and the press finds any other news more thrilling.  The Reynolds woman is probably responsible for many remorseful twinges in the breasts of eminent patriots, but your name alone is given to the public.  As for Mrs. Croix, I don’t suppose that any mere mortal has ever resisted her, but if any other man has regretted it, history is silent.  What do you suppose is the reason?”

Hamilton would not discuss Mrs. Croix, but he had long since ceased to waste breath in denial.  He made no reply.

“Do you know my theory?” said Troup, turning upon him suddenly.  “It is this.  You are so greatly endowed that more is expected of you than of other men.  You were fashioned to make history; to give birth, not for your own personal good, but for the highest good of a nation, to the greatest achievement of which the human mind is capable.  Therefore, when you trip and stumble like any fool among us, when you act like a mere mortal with no gigantic will and intellect to lift him to the heights and keep him there, some power in the unseen universe is infuriated, and you pay the price with compound interest.  It will be the same with that thing on the floor.  If you could be sure that it would never fall into the hands of a Jacobin, even then it would be a mistake to print it, for it is mainly prompted by hatred, and as such is unworthy of you.  But if it finds its way to the public, your punishment will be even in excess of your fault.  For God’s sake think it over.”

Hamilton made no reply, and in a moment Troup rose.  “Very well,” he said, “have your own way and be happy.  I’ll stand by you if the citadel falls.”

Hamilton’s eyes softened, and he shook Troup’s hands heartily.  But as soon as he was alone, he sent the manuscript to the printer.