Amazonia - The Athenaeum

It was Annie's turn to lift a brow to go on, only Bebo had turned back to study the president and
didn't see her. "Well?"
"Your Abraham Lincoln was a brave warrior in his own way, but unlike Larissa, he sacrificed
the many for just the one."
"I've read a lot about him and none of the texts portrayed him as an egotistical man," she replied
a little indignantly. Under the coat she ran her hands up and down her arms trying to get warm.
"Miss Paddio, I think you misunderstood me. It's sometimes easy to sacrifice yourself for the
greater good of your people, but think of how difficult it is for a leader to sacrifice the sons,
husbands and fathers of so many to preserve the whole of his country. To go to bed each night
and realize your orders and actions have sent so many to their deaths in your name and for the
cause you think is the most just. President Lincoln sent thousands of his countrymen to their
deaths to preserve the United States, that's what I meant. It had nothing to do with him as a man;
but then again it had everything to do with what made him a man. He was very deserving to have
such a place built in his honor, even if only to take pictures as you say."
"For someone here to further the cause of war, you're an eloquent speaker, highness."
Bebo laughed and it echoed through the empty chamber. "And for a student of history, you are a
cynic, Miss Paddio."
"Touché, highness," said Annie bowing her head.
"Now that we've finished our verbal sparring, I'm hoping, and I believe we're done with
apologies - to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
"You left without saying goodbye."
"You've walked all this way in the cold dressed like that to tell me I displayed bad manners
because I didn't tell you goodbye?" Annie smiled instinctively knowing that Bebo was kidding.
"Can I be totally honest with you?"
"I'd like that. After all it's just you and me here," Annie turned her head to the Doric columns.
"The same can't be said for out there."
"A woman with the sense and courage to voice what's oblivious to everyone else, how
refreshing." Bebo took a step closer and lowered her voice. "The truth is I'll begin sparring with
Capt. Walker soon enough, there was no reason to ruin a good dinner and start tonight. That's
why I left without saying goodnight. I try to pick my fights carefully, Miss Paddio. I meant no
slight by doing so."
"A woman with the courage to voice the truth of the obvious to everyone else, how refreshing.
Army personnel have certain feelings about how the world should treat the women in their lives.