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NICOLAY
That's what these letters demand----
EDWARD
You couldn't believe it---- No wonder his eyes sink back in his head, an' he looks as if he were seeing ghosts----
[_Pauses and starts._]
NICOLAY
Watch out for that door, Edward----
[EDWARD _bows, and exits to door leading to the main corridor._ NICOLAY _returns to his task of reading the letters--one he tosses into the basket wearily--one he crumples in anger and hurls into the basket._]
NICOLAY
The fools----!
[_He is absorbed in a letter when_ MRS. LINCOLN _enters in a state of nervous excitement. He rises quickly, and goes to meet her._]
What is it, Mrs. Lincoln----?
MRS. LINCOLN
I have just heard that the Republican National Committee is in Was.h.i.+ngton----!
NICOLAY
They are----
MRS. LINCOLN
In conference at Senator Winter's house----?
NICOLAY
Yes----
MRS. LINCOLN
What do they want?
NICOLAY
There are ugly rumors----
MRS. LINCOLN
What----? What----? What----?
NICOLAY
I can't discuss it, Madam, until the Chief knows----
MRS. LINCOLN
Mr. Lincoln doesn't know----
NICOLAY
Not yet. He will, this morning. They've just sent a demand to me that he see them before his public reception begins----
MRS. LINCOLN
You've heard something--you know something--tell me--I can't endure the suspense----
NICOLAY
Only rumors--and they're too ugly to put into words--they're incredible----
MRS. LINCOLN
All the same, you believe them----
[_Impetuously._]
What have you heard----?
NICOLAY
[_Shakes his head._]
The Chief wouldn't like it if I talk, before he knows. I'll tell you a few things I'm _thinking_ in plain English--if you'd like to hear----
MRS. LINCOLN
You can't make it too _plain_ to suit me----
NICOLAY
In my opinion, the devil is to pay. Weak-kneed fools are deserting the Chief. Every man who loves Abraham Lincoln must get off his coat now and fight. He is the only man who can save this Nation to-day, and he's too big and generous to be trusted alone with wolves----
MRS. LINCOLN
What can you mean----? The Republican National Committee have no power over the President of the United States----
NICOLAY
