face in those moments of high elation.  Hardship and malarial poison had lined and sallowed his skin.  He used to say that every time the fever and ague walked over him, they left a track on his face.  The shadows of loneliness and sorrow were in its sculpturing.  But when his eyes glowed with passion one saw not the rough mask which the life of the pioneer had given him.  His form lost its awkwardness; his face took on a noble and impressive beauty.  Those times every eye looked longingly upon him because of the great and wonderful things with which he was interfused.  To quote his own words to the boy, Josiah Traylor, his character was speaking as well as his lips.  Mary had the insight to recognize his power.  She felt the strength of his spirit.  She agreed with her friends that here was a man of great promise.  She felt the need of him.

To one who loved beauty and respected women as he did the grace and refinement of this young lady had a singular appeal coupled as it was with the urge of his strong, masculine nature.  It was a revelation.  He was like a young poet going out into the open and seeing for the first time the mysterious beauty of the mountains or “the exquisite, delicate, thin curve of the new moon in spring.”  He began to seek and study refinement of thought, of manner, of dress, of expression.  He knew that he needed Mary but had the feeling that she was not for him.

A woman who lived near the Edwards’s house had a small, hairy, poodle dog.  One day as Abe and Mary were walking along the street, they met this woman who asked if they had seen her dog.

“I wouldn’t wonder if some one down the street had got him tied to the end of a pole and is using him to swab off his windows,” said Abe Lincoln with a good-natured laugh.  “I’ll try to find him for you.”

Mary enjoyed fun and this and like sallies of the young legislator added a certain zest to their friendship.  Women are like children in their love of humor.

The diminutive Douglas saw in Miss Todd an asset of much value and his attentions began to be assiduous.  Mary was indifferent to his lofty manner and sonorous vocalism.  Abe Lincoln liked her better for that.

She encouraged the visits of the latter and invited his confidence.  The fact filled him with a great joy.  They went about together.  In the Edwards parlor he modestly told her of his work and his life plan.  She differed with him on certain subjects which were unfortunately fundamental.  He did not love her as he had loved Ann.  But her personality pleased and fascinated the young legislator.  One evening under the spell of it he asked her to be his wife.  She consented.  Then he began to think it over.