A Man of the People Part 8

No, Madam---- But they have certain powers over the Nominee of their party----

MRS. LINCOLN

But Mr. Lincoln is already the nominee of his party for the second term ... chosen two months ago--and the election is but eight weeks off--what do you mean----?

[EDWARD _enters._]

EDWARD

Miss Betty Winter to see you, Ma'am----

MRS. LINCOLN

How fortunate--they're at her father's house----!

NICOLAY

Yes----

MRS. LINCOLN

Show her right in here, Edward----

EDWARD

Yes, Madam----

MRS. LINCOLN

[_To_ NICOLAY.]

And she's loyal to Mr. Lincoln--

EDWARD

[_At door left._]

Right this way,--Miss Betty----

[BETTY _enters--a young woman 25 years old--poised, cultured, charming._]

MRS. LINCOLN

[_Meeting Betty._]

Welcome--my child----

BETTY

You're always so kind----!

NICOLAY

Excuse me, ladies--while I go out and get rid of some of these people waiting to see the President----

[NICOLAY _exits._]

MRS. LINCOLN

Tell me, dear, you've heard something--the Republican National Committee are at your father's----

BETTY

They _were_ there--they've adjourned to Thaddeus Stevens' house across the street from us---- They were locked in with father for two hours----

MRS. LINCOLN

Locked in----?

BETTY

[_Nods._]

With the keyhole c.h.i.n.ked up----!

MRS. LINCOLN

And you didn't get a hint of what they're up to----?

BETTY

Not the faintest----

MRS. LINCOLN

Oh, Betty--they're discussing me----

BETTY

They didn't mention your name----

MRS. LINCOLN

How do you know----?

BETTY

Well--I did hear a little----! I could hear from the next room when they got excited! It's Abraham Lincoln they're discussing--not his wife----