A Man of the People Part 34

Captain Vaughan,--Colonel Nicolay----

NICOLAY

[_Studying_ VAUGHAN.]

Pleased to meet you, Captain--the President will be back in a moment.

He has just stepped in to speak to Mrs. Lincoln. He is expecting you--make yourselves at home----

BETTY

Thank you, Colonel----

[NICOLAY _exits._]

What's the matter, dear----?

VAUGHAN

Nothing--nothing----

BETTY

But your arm is trembling---- I didn't realize you're so weak--I keep forgetting that you're just out of the hospital----

VAUGHAN

Oh--I'm all right----

BETTY

I'm afraid of the strain of this interview----!

[_Pauses._]

--You've never told me, dear--for what _was_ your father imprisoned?

VAUGHAN

[_Deliberately._]

He made a speech against the war in our town in Missouri and printed it in a pamphlet----

BETTY

Oh--for making and circulating seditious writing----

VAUGHAN

Technically, yes--in reality for exercising the right of free speech on a policy of the government----

BETTY

It may be very serious----

[_Pauses._]

--I've an idea----! Let me stay and help you----

VAUGHAN

But I may have something to say that a girl's ears should not hear----

BETTY

Please don't say it! You differ with the President in politics. You must say nothing to offend him----

VAUGHAN

I'll not----! I think I love my country as well as I love my father----

BETTY

Let me stay!

VAUGHAN

You mustn't--I don't need a chaperone----

BETTY

But you may need a friend----

VAUGHAN

[_Bitterly._]

He does wield a terrible power, doesn't he?

BETTY

Yes--with the tenderness and love of a father----

VAUGHAN

[_Lightly._]

All right, dear, run along now, see Mrs. Lincoln and get the President to come----

BETTY