A Man of the People - LightNovelsOnl.com
You're reading novel online at LightNovelsOnl.com. Please use the follow button to get notifications about your favorite novels and its latest chapters so you can come back anytime and won't miss anything.
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. a.s.sure 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, Chief?
LINCOLN
[_Pauses._]
Partly--I'm going to put McClellan to the supreme test, John. If he will make me one pledge on the Copperhead issue which I will ask of him, I'll name for this Committee a candidate they're not looking for--I'll give them the surprise of their life--so help me G.o.d!
NICOLAY
I don't think the General will give that pledge, sir.
LINCOLN
[_Gazing upward and folding his arms._]
I wonder!--I wonder if he will!
[NICOLAY _exits._]
I wonder if he will----
CURTAIN
ACT II