EDWARD

I do not know, Madam----

MRS. LINCOLN

[_Sarcastically._]

And you haven't the slightest idea--I suppose?

EDWARD

Not the slightest. My experience as Doorman of the White House has
taught me that my first duty is to obey the orders of my Chief----

MRS. LINCOLN

Mr. Lincoln asked you to remain on duty here to-night?

EDWARD

[_Bows._]

Asked me as a particular personal favor to him, that I remain on duty
until eight o'clock and dismiss all the other White House attendants----

MRS. LINCOLN

The _guard_ has been dismissed!

EDWARD

Yes, Madam, both of them--inside and out.

MRS. LINCOLN

Ask Colonel Nicolay to come here----

EDWARD

[_Hesitates._]

Yes'm----

MRS. LINCOLN

[_Sharply._]

Quick!

EDWARD

[_Jumps._]

Right away, Madam!

[MRS. LINCOLN _quickly examines the President's desk, looking for a
memorandum of his appointments--she finds a pad and reads._]

MRS. LINCOLN

At eight o'clock ---- ----

At nine o'clock--Miss Betty Winter----

[NICOLAY _enters hurriedly._]

NICOLAY

What is it, Madam?

MRS. LINCOLN

Who has this mysterious appointment with the President at eight
o'clock--the name is blank.

NICOLAY

I am forbidden to discuss it with any one.

MRS. LINCOLN

[_Angrily._]

Indeed!

NICOLAY

I am sorry.

MRS. LINCOLN

Do you know who is coming?

NICOLAY

Yes----

MRS. LINCOLN

Do you know the subject for discussion at this meeting?

NICOLAY

I wish to God I did----

[LINCOLN _enters and glances at his wife in surprise._]

LINCOLN

Will you go back to the door, John----

NICOLAY

At once--sir----

LINCOLN

And tell Edward I'm much obliged to him for staying, but he can go
now----

NICOLAY