[_Sternly._] These curtains haven't been drawn in a year---- EDWARD [_Stammering._] I-don't-think-they-have-either---- MRS. LINCOLN You know they haven't! EDWARD [_Gulping wind._] Yes'm---- MRS. LINCOLN Who told you to draw them? EDWARD Colonel Nicolay! MRS. LINCOLN Where is he? EDWARD Down-stairs, on the door. MRS. LINCOLN In your place? EDWARD Yes'm---- MRS. LINCOLN While you're up here acting as house maid? EDWARD [_Embarrassed._] Well, so it seems, Madam---- MRS. LINCOLN [_Sternly._] What does this mean? EDWARD I do not know, Madam---- MRS. LINCOLN [_Sarcastically._] And you haven't the slightest idea--I suppose? EDWARD Not the slightest. My experience as Doorman of the White House has taught me that my first duty is to obey the orders of my Chief---- MRS. LINCOLN Mr. Lincoln asked you to remain on duty here to-night? EDWARD [_Bows._] Asked me as a particular personal favor to him, that I remain on duty until eight o'clock and dismiss all the other White House attendants---- MRS. LINCOLN The _guard_ has been dismissed! EDWARD Yes, Madam, both of them--inside and out. MRS. LINCOLN Ask Colonel Nicolay to come here---- EDWARD [_Hesitates._] Yes'm---- MRS. LINCOLN [_Sharply._] Quick! EDWARD [_Jumps._] Right away, Madam! [MRS. LINCOLN _quickly examines the President's desk, looking for a memorandum of his appointments--she finds a pad and reads._] MRS. LINCOLN At eight o'clock ---- ---- At nine o'clock--Miss Betty Winter---- [NICOLAY _enters hurriedly._] NICOLAY What is it, Madam? MRS. LINCOLN Who has this mysterious appointment with the President at eight o'clock--the name is blank. NICOLAY I am forbidden to discuss it with any one. MRS. LINCOLN [_Angrily._] Indeed! NICOLAY I am sorry. MRS. LINCOLN Do you know who is coming? NICOLAY Yes---- MRS. LINCOLN Do you know the subject for discussion at this meeting? NICOLAY I wish to God I did----