n! Infamous!

[MRS. LINCOLN _enters hurriedly._]

Don't tell her the nasty things old Thad said to me. It will hurt her.

NICOLAY

Of course not.

MRS. LINCOLN

[_Tensely._]

What is it, Father--what did they say?

[_He pauses and she presses him tremblingly._]

What did they say? What did they say?

LINCOLN

[_With dreamy look._]

They told me in plain English that I am the most unpopular man in the
United States--that my conduct of the war is a series of blunders, my
administration a failure!

MRS. LINCOLN

[_Relieved._]

Oh!--is _that_ all!

LINCOLN

What more----?

MRS. LINCOLN

I thought they had something important to tell you----

LINCOLN

[_Laughs._]

Oh!----

MRS. LINCOLN

That is of no importance, because it's a lie----

LINCOLN

But, if they believe it, and millions of people believe it----

MRS. LINCOLN

Well, they won't. I've something important to ask of you--Betty
Winter's in my room and wants to bring her lover here to see you alone
for an hour to-night----

LINCOLN

I'll see Miss Betty Winter any time--she is my good friend--make it
nine o'clock.

MRS. LINCOLN

[_Going._]

At nine--don't forget now!

LINCOLN

I'll not----

[MRS. LINCOLN _exits._]

John, is General McClellan at home?

NICOLAY

I saw him to-day, sir.

LINCOLN

Go to his house immediately and tell him I want to see him here at
eight o'clock to-night. Say that it's a matter of the gravest
importance--both to him and to the country--he can't refuse.

NICOLAY

Yes, sir.

LINCOLN

Say to General McClellan that I would come to him but for the fact that
it would attract attention which I wish to avoid. It will be the best
for both that this meeting should not be known. Ask him to come in a
closed carriage. Assure him that you will meet him at the door and he
will see no one but me----

NICOLAY

You can't take me into your confidence, C