I..."

"Disguised yourself and came here," broke in Lloyd insultingly.

"If by 'disguise' you mean I changed my evening gown, I did--for this
more suitable street dress." Nancy threw back her head haughtily. "I am
offering my explanation to the President; not to you, sir."

"Continue your remarks, Miss Nancy," directed Lincoln quietly.

"Why, that is all, Mr. President. After changing my gown I came
here..."

"By side streets," again interposed Lloyd.

"By side streets, because the more direct route is crowded with noisy
men and women," answered Nancy calmly. "I found Doctor Boyd here with
Aunt Polly." Lloyd uttered another exclamation, but Nancy refused to
pay heed. "He advised that we move Aunt Polly into a room facing south
as it would be warmer and more cheery for her in the daytime. Jasper
and the doctor carried her there, and I went ahead with the lamp..."

"With which you have been signaling to the rebels," declared Lloyd
roughly.

"I did nothing of the sort," retorted Nancy vehemently. "In trying to
find a place to put the lamp down I walked backward and forward with it
in my hand until I had pushed a table before the window. I then placed
the lamp on it, and went to help the doctor. He told me my presence was
no longer needed, and advised me to go home, as Aunt Metoaca would be
alarmed by my long absence. Bidding Aunt Polly good night, I slipped
out of the side entrance and ran into you at the gate, Mr. President."

"Miss Nancy told me then," volunteered Lincoln, slowly, "that she had
been with Aunt Polly who was ill. I know Aunt Polly, too; we have
frequent talks when I stroll down this street and she is working in the
garden, or sweeping the driveway."

"And I will take my oath to the truth of Nancy's story," said Doctor
Boyd, stepping into the circle about the President. "Aunt Polly had to
undergo a minor operation, she insisted on Nancy being present, and to
prevent the old woman working herself into a fever I sent for Nancy. I
would have escorted her here myself, but my duties at the hospital
prevented."

Lincoln nodded understandingly. "It's all right, Doctor," he said
soothingly. "I believe Miss Nancy, and I guess our friend, Colonel
Baker, does, also."

Baker looked doubtfully at Nancy. "Yes," he muttered ungraciously,
"Miss Newton has made everything clear." He turned to address Lloyd,
but the latter had disappeared.

"Then suppose we walk on," said Lincoln. "It is cold standing here.