Now you are beginning to think for yourself instead of letting others think for you.
That’s the beginning of wisdom.”
“Oh, but—”
“When you’ve been talked about as much as I have, you’ll realize how little it matters.
Just think, there’s not a home in Charleston where I am received.
Not even my contribution to our just and holy Cause lifts the ban.”
“How dreadful!”
“Oh, not at all.
Until you’ve lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom really is.”
“You do talk scandalous!”
“Scandalously and truly.
Always providing you have enough courage—or money—you can do without a reputation.”
“Money can’t buy everything.”
“Someone must have told you that.
You’d never think of such a platitude all by yourself.
What can’t it buy?”
“Oh, well, I don’t know—not happiness or love, anyway.”
“Generally it can.
And when it can’t, it can buy some of the most remarkable substitutes.”
“And have you so much money, Captain Butler?”
“What an ill-bred question, Mrs. Hamilton.
I’m surprised.
But, yes.
For a young man cut off without a shilling in early youth, I’ve done very well.
And I’m sure I’ll clean up a million on the blockade.”
“Oh, no!”
“Oh, yes!
What most people don’t seem to realize is that there is just as much money to be made out of the wreckage of a civilization as from the upbuilding of one.”
“And what does all that mean?”
“Your family and my family and everyone here tonight made their money out of changing a wilderness into a civilization.
That’s empire building.
There’s good money in empire building.
But, there’s more in empire wrecking.”
“What empire are you talking about?”
“This empire we’re living in—the South—the Confederacy—the Cotton Kingdom—it’s breaking up right under our feet.
Only most fools won’t see it and take advantage of the situation created by the collapse.
I’m making my fortune out of the wreckage.”
“Then you really think we’re going to get licked?”
“Yes.
Why be an ostrich?”
“Oh, dear, it bores me to talk about such like.
Don’t you ever say pretty things, Captain Butler?”
“Would it please you if I said your eyes were twin goldfish bowls filled to the brim with the clearest green water and that when the fish swim to the top, as they are doing now, you are devilishly charming?”
“Oh, I don’t like that... Isn’t the music gorgeous?
Oh, I could waltz forever!
I didn’t know I had missed it so!”
“You are the most beautiful dancer I’ve ever held in my arms.”
“Captain Butler, you must not hold me so tightly.
Everybody is looking.”
“If no one were looking, would you care?”