A Man of the People

Chapter 26

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 G.o.d I did----

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

LINCOLN

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

NICOLAY

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