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----
[BETTY _enters--a young woman 25 years old--poised, cultured, charming._]
MRS. LINCOLN
[_Meeting Betty._]
Welcome--my child----
BETTY
You"re always so kind----!
NICOLAY
Excuse me, ladies--while I go out and get rid of some of these people waiting to see the President----
[NICOLAY _exits._]
MRS. LINCOLN
Tell me, dear, you"ve heard something--the Republican National Committee are at your father"s----
BETTY
They _were_ there--they"ve adjourned to Thaddeus Stevens" house across the street from us---- They were locked in with father for two hours----
MRS. LINCOLN
Locked in----?
BETTY
[_Nods._]
With the keyhole c.h.i.n.ked up----!
MRS. LINCOLN
And you didn"t get a hint of what they"re up to----?
BETTY
Not the faintest----
MRS. LINCOLN
Oh, Betty--they"re discussing me----
BETTY
They didn"t mention your name----
MRS. LINCOLN
How do you know----?
BETTY
Well--I did hear a little----! I could hear from the next room when they got excited! It"s Abraham Lincoln they"re discussing--not his wife----