But there were moments when he felt puzzled and hurt by the hostility of the nation's leaders. Many years ago Washington had taken one of his dark, unreasonable dislikes to him, blocked his military advancement, and refused him an appointment as Minister to France. Adams disliked him. Jefferson, who had once been friendly, now hated him, and as for Hamilton——But he was so accustomed to hostility from that quarter that he underestimated it. Nor did he as yet suspect how much Hamilton's influence had contributed to stifle his career.

By January the tie-vote excitement had mounted into hysteria, yet Theodosia, tranquil at Richmond Hill, was scarcely aware of it. Snowdrifts piled high across nearly impassable roads; raw damp air blew up the Hudson and stopped all thoughts of venturing out. The quiet winter days followed each other without outward change. And yet imperceptibly there had been change, for Theo had come to accept the inevitability of her marriage. Time, Aaron's pressure, and a constant interchange of letters with Joseph had overcome her resistance.

After a talk with Aaron, who must shortly leave for Albany and the legislative session, she capitulated in the following note:

NEW YORK, January 13th, 1801

I have already written to you by the post to tell you that I shall be happy to sec you whenever you choose; that I suppose is equivalent to very soon; and that you may no longer feel doubts or suspicions on my account, I repeat the invitation by a packet as less dilatory than the mail; but for all these doubts and suspicions I will take ample revenge when we meet.

I yesterday received your letter of the 26th of December, and am expecting your defense of early marriages today. My father laughs at my impatience to hear from you and says I am in love; but I do not believe that to be a fair deduction, for the post is really very irregular and slow—enough so to provoke anybody.

We leave this for Albany on the 26th inst. and shall remain there till the 10th of February. My movements will after that depend on my father and you. I had intended not to marry this twelvemonth, and in that case thought it wrong to divert you from your present engagements in Carolina; but to your solicitations I yield my judgment. Adieu. I wish you many returns of the century.

THEODOSIA

The following day Alexis brought to her bedroom the letter from Joseph that she was expecting. It was immensely bulky and spotted with red seals. It covered thirty manuscript pages, and Joseph had sat up all night composing it. He flattered himself that he had turned many a neat phrase, displayed an 'elegant' knowledge of the classics, and answered all her objections.

He began ceremoniously:

CHARLESTON, S.C., December 28th, 1800