They told me in plain English that I am the most unpopular man in the United States--that my conduct of the war is a series of blunders, my administration a failure!
MRS. LINCOLN
[_Relieved._]
Oh!--is _that_ all!
LINCOLN
What more----?
MRS. LINCOLN
I thought they had something important to tell you----
LINCOLN
[_Laughs._]
Oh!----
MRS. LINCOLN
That is of no importance, because it"s a lie----
LINCOLN
But, if they believe it, and millions of people believe it----
MRS. LINCOLN
Well, they won"t. I"ve something important to ask of you--Betty Winter"s in my room and wants to bring her lover here to see you alone for an hour to-night----
LINCOLN
I"ll see Miss Betty Winter any time--she is my good friend--make it nine o"clock.
MRS. LINCOLN
[_Going._]
At nine--don"t forget now!
LINCOLN
I"ll not----
[MRS. LINCOLN _exits._]
John, is General McClellan at home?
NICOLAY
I saw him to-day, sir.
LINCOLN
Go to his house immediately and tell him I want to see him here at eight o"clock to-night. Say that it"s a matter of the gravest importance--both to him and to the country--he can"t refuse.
NICOLAY
Yes, sir.
LINCOLN
Say to General McClellan that I would come to him but for the fact that it would attract attention which I wish to avoid. It will be the best for both that this meeting should not be known. Ask him to come in a closed carriage. a.s.sure him that you will meet him at the door and he will see no one but me----
NICOLAY
You can"t take me into your confidence, Chief?
LINCOLN
[_Pauses._]
Partly--I"m going to put McClellan to the supreme test, John. If he will make me one pledge on the Copperhead issue which I will ask of him, I"ll name for this Committee a candidate they"re not looking for--I"ll give them the surprise of their life--so help me G.o.d!
NICOLAY
I don"t think the General will give that pledge, sir.
LINCOLN
[_Gazing upward and folding his arms._]
I wonder!--I wonder if he will!
[NICOLAY _exits._]
I wonder if he will----
CURTAIN
ACT II