Clerk: The President is coming up the stairs, sir.
Seward: Thank you.
THE CLERK goes. This is unfortunate. Say nothing, and go at once.
LINCOLN comes in, now whiskered and bearded.
Lincoln: Good-morning, Mr. Seward. Good-morning, gentlemen.
Seward: Good-morning, Mr. President. And I am obliged to you for calling, gentlemen. Good-morning.
He moves towards the door.
Lincoln: Perhaps these gentlemen could spare me ten minutes.
White: It might not—
Lincoln: Say five minutes.