[_Snorts._]

But--I'm--damned--if--you--interfere--with--me--again!

[STANTON _hurries to the door._]

LINCOLN

All right now---- But look here, Stanton----

[STANTON _pauses._]

If I _have_ to send over a pardon or two to you this morning----

STANTON

Hell fire!

LINCOLN

Easy--easy now! You'll know they're _very_ urgent, and will admit of no
delay on account of red tape----

STANTON

[_Throws his hands up in wild gesture of despair._]

Oh, my God!

[STANTON _exits._]

LINCOLN

John, the old Fox _was_ trying to head me off, wasn't he----? Get them
in here quick--who's the first in turn----?

NICOLAY

A young lady to plead for the life of her brother----

LINCOLN

Bring her in!

[_As_ NICOLAY _goes to the door_, LINCOLN _follows to meet the
young woman. She enters, a forlorn little figure with baby face and
blonde hair. She is plainly dressed in homespun cloth and does not
wear hoopskirts. The President greets her with the utmost
deference._]

[_Taking both her hands._]

My dear young lady--I'm glad to see you--good old Pennsylvania Dutch! I
knew you before you spoke--my folks came down to Virginia from there,
in the old Colonial days----

THE SISTER

[_Overcome._]

Oh--Meester--Presiden--you are so goot to me--you are so kind----

[_Pauses overcome._]

I haf no speech----

LINCOLN

Come now, tell me in your own way what I can do to help you----

THE SISTER

Oh--Meester Presiden--you can do all--you can do any t'ing--und I am so
happy to see you--I cannot begin----

LINCOLN

[_Soothing her._]

Take your time, little girl--all the others will have to wait on you
now----

THE SISTER

Ya-ya--it is my turn now--ya, und I must hurry. You see, it's mine
brudder--he ist just von leetle poy, Meester Presiden--von leetle poy
with curly hair like mine----

[_She chokes._]

LINCOLN

[_Taking her hand._]

And what happened to him, my dear?

THE SISTER

Vell, you see he lif wid me in Pennsylvania--ve are all alone