Matilda: And, pa, if you could only hear him when he climbs on the table and makes speeches. I just tell you, Abe is heaps of fun. Mr. Lincoln: I dare say he is, but that doesn't get the work done. It's all right for sickly fellows to be spending their time getting learning, but a big, strong fellow like Abe will always be able to earn his living by hard work. Mrs. Lincoln: Of course he'll be _able_ to, but you'll find out he'll not do it. I tell you there are other plans laid away in that big head of his. Mr. Lincoln: Well, well, he'll have you to thank if he ever does amount to anything, that's sure. (_Shivers._) But it's cold in here, what on earth is the matter with your fire? John (_aside_): Time for me to run. (_Exit at right, hurriedly._) Mr. Lincoln (_turning toward cupboard_): It's funny you young ones can't look after the fire when ma's busy. John, you go bring in some wood! (_Looks around._) O, he's gone after it, I guess--about time. (_Disappears behind cupboard._) Mrs. Lincoln (_to girls_): Don't tell pa that John was waiting for Abe to help him. If you do they'll both get a scolding, maybe. Matilda: And you, too, for letting Abe go away. (All _laugh_.) (John _enters at right, carrying wood, which he drops noisily behind cupboard_.) Mrs. Lincoln (_starting up_): John, why do you drop the wood in that noisy way? (John _re-appears and comes down_.) After all my talking to you, it does seem as if you might learn to be more quiet about it. Matilda: Yes, when Abe---- Sarah (_catching her by the arm_): Hush, Matilda! if you keep on (_they come down to right front_) you'll make John hate Abe. Don't hold him up to John _all_ the time as a pattern. Matilda (_sighs_): But, you know, Sarah, Abe is so different. He never does any of those disagreeable things that John is always doing. I remember, when we first came here, ma told Abe to take off his hat when he came into the house, and she never has had to tell him the second time; but she is still trying to hammer it into John. Sarah: Yes, dear, I know, and Abe is so kind to everyone and so thoughtful of other people's comfort. I am so glad he is my brother, and I only wish I were half as good and kind as he. Matilda: Yes, and so jolly, too. Sarah: Only sometimes he looks so sad--that must be when he's hungry for more books. John (_coming towards them_): What are you two girls talking about over here? (Mr. Lincoln _appears from behind cupboard, carrying a large wooden shovel, the blade of which is covered with black figures. He comes down, confronting_ Mrs. Lincoln.) Mr. Lincoln: Mother, what in the world is this? Mrs. Lincoln (_laughing_): O, those are Abe's sums. Mr. Lincoln: Sums! I vum! Sums! What did he make them with? Mrs. Lincoln: A piece of burnt wood. Mr. Lincoln: I vum! Sums! Where did he learn to _do_ sums? Mrs. Lincoln: O, he picked it up. Mr. Lincoln: I bet you taught him! didn't you, Sallie? Come now, own up.