[_He continues to turn the leaves of the Bible._] [_The sound of_ LINCOLN'S _voice is heard outside talking to_ MRS. LINCOLN.] LINCOLN [_Outside._] Go back, and talk to Miss Betty! [VAUGHAN _quickly places the Bible back on his desk and takes his stand near the door to the hall, as if he had just entered._ LINCOLN _enters from the other door, still talking to his wife who follows him._] Don't worry, Mother! Who cares for a few old dresses more or less in these times! But if I'd known they cost that much, I'd taken a second look at them and tried to get my money's worth! MRS. LINCOLN You're sure it won't influence your decision? LINCOLN Not a bit! If we stay here--it'll be all right. We can skimp a little. If we don't stay--the old sign still swings on the door in Springfield--Billy Herndon's waiting for me and the law business will be better than ever. Go back now, and don't worry! It's my business to do _all_ the worrying---- [LINCOLN _closes the door after she goes, and comes down toward the desk, lifts his haggard eyes in a dazed way and looks about the room. Anxiety and suffering again mark his rugged face. He sees_ VAUGHAN, _and at once throws off the spell of his troubles, advances to meet him and takes his hand._] I'm glad to see you, my boy--Will you pull up a chair? [LINCOLN _drops wearily into his chair and his voice has a far-away dreamy expression in its tones while he studies_ VAUGHAN _carefully._] And what can I do for you? VAUGHAN My name is Vaughan--the elder son of Dr. Richard Vaughan of Palmyra, Missouri---- LINCOLN [_Thoughtfully._] Vaughan--Richard Vaughan--I've heard that name--But you're _one_ of our boys fighting with Grant's army? VAUGHAN Yes---- LINCOLN [_Looking him over._] You've been very ill, I see--wounded of course? VAUGHAN Yes---- LINCOLN [_Rises, takes_ VAUGHAN'S _hands in both his, and presses it._] There's nothing I won't do for one of our wounded boys--if I can---- VAUGHAN Thank you---- LINCOLN What is it? VAUGHAN [_With cold precision._] My mother writes me that my father has been arrested without warrant, is held in prison without bail, and denied the right of trial---- [_He pauses, trembling with excitement._] LINCOLN Go on--my boy---- VAUGHAN I have come to ask for justice---- LINCOLN He shall have it---- VAUGHAN I ask that he be confronted by his accusers in open court and given a fair trial----