Virginia

[Eagerly.]

Yes, sir!

[Nicolay enters with a young mother and baby and hesitates at sight of the little girl.]

Lincoln

Come on in, John—it's all right. I'm about through with this young lady——

[Nicolay brings the young mother to the desk and Lincoln takes Virginia down stage.]

Come down here, dear, so old man Nicolay can't hear us—he mightn't understand.

[He sits on a chair and draws the girl close.]

You see, I understand you—and can trust you implicitly. Now if I give you back this and let you go—will you promise me that no word shall pass your lips of what you've seen inside our lines?