k I love my country as well as I love my father----

BETTY

Let me stay!

VAUGHAN

You mustn't--I don't need a chaperone----

BETTY

But you may need a friend----

VAUGHAN

[_Bitterly._]

He does wield a terrible power, doesn't he?

BETTY

Yes--with the tenderness and love of a father----

VAUGHAN

[_Lightly._]

All right, dear, run along now, see Mrs. Lincoln and get the President
to come----

BETTY

Can't I stay and help you----?

VAUGHAN

No, no----

BETTY

It means so much to me now----!

[_She nestles in his arms and_ VAUGHAN _kisses her._]

VAUGHAN

I'll know how to plead my cause----

BETTY

All right--good luck. I'm sure you'll win----

[BETTY _exits._]

[VAUGHAN _walks to the door leading to the Lincoln Apartments, and
listens a moment, and walks to the President's desk. His eye rests
on the worn copy of the Bible which_ LINCOLN _always kept on his
desk. He gazes at the thumbed pages in amazement._]

VAUGHAN

The Bible--My God!

[_Turns its leaves._]

And every page thumbed----!

[_He continues to turn the leaves of the Bible._]

[_The sound of_ LINCOLN'S _voice is heard outside talking to_ MRS.
LINCOLN.]

LINCOLN

[_Outside._]

Go back, and talk to Miss Betty!

[VAUGHAN _quickly places the Bible back on his desk and takes his
stand near the door to the hall, as if he had just entered._
LINCOLN _enters from the other door, still talking to his wife who
follows him._]

Don't worry, Mother! Who cares for a few old dresses more or less in
these times! But if I'd known they cost that much, I'd taken a second
look at them and tried to get my money's worth!

MRS. LINCOLN

You're sure it won't influence your decision?

LINCOLN

Not a bit! If we stay here--it'll be all right. We can skimp a little.
If we don't stay--the old sign still swings on the door in
Springfield--Billy Herndon's waiting for me and the law business will
be better than ever. Go back now, and don'