LINCOLN [_Laughs._] Oh!---- MRS. LINCOLN That is of no importance, because it's a lie---- LINCOLN But, if they believe it, and millions of people believe it---- MRS. LINCOLN Well, they won't. I've something important to ask of you--Betty Winter's in my room and wants to bring her lover here to see you alone for an hour to-night---- LINCOLN I'll see Miss Betty Winter any time--she is my good friend--make it nine o'clock. MRS. LINCOLN [_Going._] At nine--don't forget now! LINCOLN I'll not---- [MRS. LINCOLN _exits._] John, is General McClellan at home? NICOLAY I saw him to-day, sir. LINCOLN Go to his house immediately and tell him I want to see him here at eight o'clock to-night. Say that it's a matter of the gravest importance--both to him and to the country--he can't refuse. NICOLAY Yes, sir. LINCOLN Say to General McClellan that I would come to him but for the fact that it would attract attention which I wish to avoid. It will be the best for both that this meeting should not be known. Ask him to come in a closed carriage. Assure him that you will meet him at the door and he will see no one but me---- NICOLAY You can't take me into your confidence, Chief? LINCOLN [_Pauses._] Partly--I'm going to put McClellan to the supreme test, John. If he will make me one pledge on the Copperhead issue which I will ask of him, I'll name for this Committee a candidate they're not looking for--I'll give them the surprise of their life--so help me God! NICOLAY I don't think the General will give that pledge, sir. LINCOLN [_Gazing upward and folding his arms._] I wonder!--I wonder if he will! [NICOLAY _exits._] I wonder if he will---- CURTAIN ACT II SET SCENE: _The same as Act I at a quarter to eight the same evening_. AT RISE: EDWARD, _the old Doorman, is straightening the furniture in the room. He clumsily clears the floor of a litter of letters and places them in the corner with the unopened bag. He draws the heavy draperies of the windows and adjusts them so that no ray of light can reach the outside._ MRS. LINCOLN _enters and watches him fix the draperies._ MRS. LINCOLN [_Speaking suddenly._] Edward----! EDWARD [_Jumping in fright._] Yes, Madam! MRS. LINCOLN What on earth are you doing in here----? EDWARD [_In terror of_ MRS. LINCOLN.] Just--er drawin'--er the curtains, Madam. MRS. LINCOLN