They told me in plain English that I am the most unpopular man in the United States--that my conduct of the war is a series of blunders, my administration a failure!

MRS. LINCOLN

[_Relieved._]

Oh!--is _that_ all!

LINCOLN

What more----?

MRS. LINCOLN

I thought they had something important to tell you----

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. a.s.sure 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 G.o.d!

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