!

STEVENS

It's a waste of time to talk----!

LINCOLN

I've thought so from the first, but I've tried to be polite----

STEVENS

[_Trying to go._]

Good day, sir----!

LINCOLN

[_Cordially._]

Good day, Stevens----

[_Pauses._]

You know this meeting reminds me of what happened in Illinois once----

STEVENS

[_Throwing up his hands in anger._]

I won't hear it, sir! You and your stories are sending this country to
hell--it's not more than a mile from there now!

LINCOLN

I believe it _is_ just a mile from here to the Capitol where you
sit!

STEVENS

[_Going in rage._]

Damnation!

[STEVENS _goes muttering furiously._]

RAYMOND

You will consider our request, Mr. President?

LINCOLN

Raymond, this is the most brutal insult ever offered to a man in my
position in the history of this country. I'm going to waive the insult
and give your request my earnest thought. If I can save the
Union--that's the only question--that's the only question!

RAYMOND

You will give us your answer to-day?

LINCOLN

[_Firmly._]

No. I must have time to think. As I've listened to you, the conviction
grows on me that the life of the Union _may_ be bound with mine now,
and I'm not going to give up--_without a fight_.

RAYMOND

[_Brusquely._]

We cannot leave Washington _without your answer_, Mr. President.

LINCOLN

You'll get it in due time.

RAYMOND

The time is short----

LINCOLN

It may be long enough yet, to save the Nation----

RAYMOND

[_Firmly._]

The Committee _must_ take definite action before we leave--we will give
you ten days to decide----

LINCOLN

I understand. Good day, gentlemen!

ALL

[_Bowing out._]

Good day, Mr. President.

[LINCOLN _stands erect, with_ NICOLAY _watching them go in silence.
When the last man is gone, he turns to_ NICOLAY.]

LINCOLN

It's infamous, Joh