Lincoln (while he takes of his hat and shakes out sundry papers from the lining into a drawer): John Brown, did you say?  Aye, John Brown.  But that’s not the way it’s to be done.  And you can’t do the right thing the wrong way.  That’s as bad as the wrong thing, if you’re going to keep the state together.

Mr. Cuffney: Well, we’ll be going.  We only came in to give you good-faring, so to say, in the great word you’ve got to speak this evening.

Mr. Stone: It makes a humble body almost afraid of himself, Abraham, to know his friend is to be one of the great ones of the earth, with his yes and no law for these many, many thousands of folk.

Lincoln: It makes a man humble to be chosen so, Samuel.  So humble that no man but would say “No” to such bidding if he dare.  To be President of this people, and trouble gathering everywhere in men’s hearts.  That’s a searching thing.  Bitterness, and scorn, and wrestling often with men I shall despise, and perhaps nothing truly done at the end.  But I must go.  Yes.  Thank you, Samuel; thank you, Timothy.  Just a glass of that cordial, Mary, before they leave.

He goes to a cupboard.

May the devil smudge that girl!

Calling at the door.

Susan!  Susan Deddington!  Where’s that darnation cordial?

Mrs. Lincoln: It’s all right, Abraham.  I told the girl to keep it out.  The cupboard’s choked with papers.

Susan (coming in with bottle and glasses): I’m sure I’m sorry.  I was told—­

Lincoln: All right, all right, Susan.  Get along with you.

Susan: Thank you, sir. She goes.

Lincoln (pouring out drink): Poor hospitality for whiskey-drinking rascals like yourselves.  But the thought’s good.

Mr. Stone: Don’t mention it, Abraham.

Mr. Cuffney: We wish you well, Abraham.  Our compliments, ma’am.  And God bless America!  Samuel, I give you the United States, and Abraham Lincoln.

MR. CUFFNEY and MR. STONE drink.

Mrs. Lincoln: Thank you.

Lincoln: Samuel, Timothy—­I drink to the hope of honest friends.  Mary, to friendship.  I’ll need that always, for I’ve a queer, anxious heart.  And, God bless America!

He and MRS. LINCOLN drink.

Mr. Stone: Well, good-night, Abraham.  Good-night, ma’am.

Mr. Cuffney: Good-night, good-night.

Mrs. Lincoln: Good-night, Mr. Stone.  Good-night, Mr. Cuffney.

Lincoln: Good-night, Samuel.  Good-night, Timothy.  And thank you for coming.

MR. STONE and MR. CUFFNEY go out.

Mrs. Lincoln: You’d better see them in here.

Lincoln: Good.  Five minutes to seven.  You’re sure about it, Mary?

Mrs. Lincoln: Yes.  Aren’t you?