Since it has come to that point, I offer you now that office, and do so officially.

I ask your answer." The face of England's minister now for the first time went colorless.

He knew what this meant.
As for John Calhoun, he played with both of them as a cat would with a mouse, sneeringly superior.

His answer was couched in terms suited to his own purposes.

"This dignity, Mr.President," said he, bowing deeply again, "so unexpected, so onerous, so responsible, is one which at least needs time for proper consideration.