MRS. LINCOLN

What----? What----? What----?

NICOLAY

I can't discuss it, Madam, until the Chief knows----

MRS. LINCOLN

Mr. Lincoln doesn't know----

NICOLAY

Not yet. He will, this morning. They've just sent a demand to me that
he see them before his public reception begins----

MRS. LINCOLN

You've heard something--you know something--tell me--I can't endure the
suspense----

NICOLAY

Only rumors--and they're too ugly to put into words--they're
incredible----

MRS. LINCOLN

All the same, you believe them----

[_Impetuously._]

What have you heard----?

NICOLAY

[_Shakes his head._]

The Chief wouldn't like it if I talk, before he knows. I'll tell you a
few things I'm _thinking_ in plain English--if you'd like to hear----

MRS. LINCOLN

You can't make it too _plain_ to suit me----

NICOLAY

In my opinion, the devil is to pay. Weak-kneed fools are deserting the
Chief. Every man who loves Abraham Lincoln must get off his coat now
and fight. He is the only man who can save this Nation to-day, and he's
too big and generous to be trusted alone with wolves----

MRS. LINCOLN

What can you mean----? The Republican National Committee have no power
over the President of the United States----

NICOLAY

No, Madam---- But they have certain powers over the Nominee of their
party----

MRS. LINCOLN

But Mr. Lincoln is already the nominee of his party for the second term
... chosen two months ago--and the election is but eight weeks
off--what do you mean----?

[EDWARD _enters._]

EDWARD

Miss Betty Winter to see you, Ma'am----

MRS. LINCOLN

How fortunate--they're at her father's house----!

NICOLAY

Yes----

MRS. LINCOLN

Show her right in here, Edward----

EDWARD

Yes, Madam----

MRS. LINCOLN

[_To_ NICOLAY.]

And she's loyal to Mr. Lincoln--

EDWARD

[_At door left._]

Right this way,--Miss Betty----