No——! I'll take my bath of public opinion first. I want to see real men and women and feel their hearts beat close to mine. It tones me up for the day's work—let them in.
[Stanton bursts into the room in a towering rage.]
Stanton
Mr. President, I've been kept waiting!
[Confronting Nicolay.]
[Nicolay turns away and laughs.]
Nicolay! How dare you keep me waiting in an anteroom, while you talk to the President! I want you to understand, sir, that as Secretary of War, I've the right to enter this room at any hour, day or night, announced or unannounced, and by God, I'm going to exercise that privilege!
[Stanton paces the floor furiously.]
Lincoln
[Laughing.]