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EDWARD
Not the slightest. My experience as Doorman of the White House has taught me that my first duty is to obey the orders of my Chief----
MRS. LINCOLN
Mr. Lincoln asked you to remain on duty here to-night?
EDWARD
[_Bows._]
Asked me as a particular personal favor to him, that I remain on duty until eight o'clock and dismiss all the other White House attendants----
MRS. LINCOLN
The _guard_ has been dismissed!
EDWARD
Yes, Madam, both of them--inside and out.
MRS. LINCOLN
Ask Colonel Nicolay to come here----
EDWARD
[_Hesitates._]
Yes'm----
MRS. LINCOLN
[_Sharply._]
Quick!
EDWARD
[_Jumps._]
Right away, Madam!
[MRS. LINCOLN _quickly examines the President's desk, looking for a memorandum of his appointments--she finds a pad and reads._]
MRS. LINCOLN
At eight o'clock ---- ----
At nine o'clock--Miss Betty Winter----
[NICOLAY _enters hurriedly._]
NICOLAY
What is it, Madam?
MRS. LINCOLN
Who has this mysterious appointment with the President at eight o'clock--the name is blank.
NICOLAY
I am forbidden to discuss it with any one.
MRS. LINCOLN
[_Angrily._]
Indeed!
NICOLAY
I am sorry.
MRS. LINCOLN
Do you know who is coming?
NICOLAY
Yes----
MRS. LINCOLN
Do you know the subject for discussion at this meeting?
NICOLAY
I wish to G.o.d I did----
[LINCOLN _enters and glances at his wife in surprise._]
LINCOLN
Will you go back to the door, John----
NICOLAY
