A few mornings after the interview between Marian and her father described in the previous chapter, Mr. Vosburgh, looking over his paper at the breakfast-table, laughed and said:  “What do you think of this, Marian?  Here is Merwyn’s name down for a large donation to the Sanitary and Christian Commissions.”

His daughter smiled satirically as she remarked, “Such heroism takes away my breath.”

“You are losing the power, Marian,” said her mother, irritably, “of taking moderate, common-sense views of anything relating to the war.  If the cause is first in your thoughts why not recognize the fact that Mr. Merwyn can do tenfold more with his money than if he went to the front and ‘stopped a bullet,’ as your officer friends express themselves?  You are unfair, also.  Instead of giving Mr. Merwyn credit for a generous act you sneer at him.”

The girl bit her lip, and looked perplexed for a moment.  “Well, then,” she said, “I will give him credit.  He has put himself to the inconvenience of writing two checks for amounts that he will miss no more than I would five cents.”

“Ask your father,” resumed Mrs. Vosburgh, indignantly, “if the men who sustain these great charities and the government are not just as useful as soldiers in the field.  What would become of the soldiers if business in the city should cease?  Your ideas, carried out fully, would lead your father to start to the front with a musket, instead of remaining where he can accomplish the most good.”

“You are mistaken, mamma.  My only fear is that he will incur too many risks as it is.  I have never asked any one to go to the front, and I certainly would not ask Mr. Merwyn.  Indeed, when I think of the cause, I would rather he should do as you suggest.  I should be glad to have him give thousands and increase the volume of business by millions; but if he gave all he has, he could not stand in my estimation with men who offer their lives and risk mutilation and untold suffering from wounds.  I know nothing of Mr. Merwyn’s present motives, and they may be anything but patriotic.  He may think it to his advantage to win some reputation for loyalty, when it is well known that his mother has none at all.  Those two gifts, paltry for one of his means, count very little in these days of immense self-sacrifice.  I value, in times of danger, especially when great principles are at stake, self-sacrifice and uncalculating heroism above all things, and I prefer to choose my friends from among those who voluntarily exhibit these qualities.  No man living could win my favor who took risks merely to please me.  Mr. Merwyn is nothing to me, and if I should ever meet him again socially, which is not probable, I should be the last one to suggest that he should go to the war; but if he, or any one, wishes my regard, there must be a compliance with the conditions on which I give it.  I am content with the friends I have.”

Mr. Vosburgh looked at his daughter for a moment as if she were fulfilling his ideal, and soon after departed for his office.  A few days after, when the early shadows of the late autumn were gathering, he was interrupted in his preparations to return up town by the entrance of the subject of the recent discussion.