He would not abandon it.

For the moment, so completely had the fascination of Mrs.
Lee got the control of him, he would rather have abandoned the Presidency itself than her.

He really loved her as earnestly as it was in his nature to love anything.

To her obstinacy he would oppose an obstinacy greater still; but in the meanwhile his attack was disconcerted, and he was at a loss what next to do.

Was it not possible to change his ground; to offer inducements that would appeal even more strongly to feminine ambition and love of display than the Presidency itself?
He began again:-- "Is there no form of pledge I can give you?
no sacrifice I can make?
You dislike politics.