Lincoln
You say this to me—standing beside the grave of your son?
The Woman
And beside the cot of my other boy of sixteen who was dangerously wounded in General Grant's last battle. I am proud of two such sons to lay on the altar of my country. I had to tell you that I'm praying for you.
[Lincoln closes both hands over hers and holds them a moment in silence.]
Lincoln
[With upward gaze.]
How strange that you should come to me in this black hour with such a message. I've often wondered if the soul of my mother were not speaking to me! The day she died in the woods of Indiana, she told me that if dark hours came, her spirit would be watching, and she'd help me if she could! While you were talking to me—I got the tremor of her voice and the quiver of her lips—how strange!
[Looking down into her face.]
Thank you, Madam! You have brought me medicine for both body and soul.