[Lincoln presses her hand again and she quietly goes as he gazes after her.]
[Nicolay starts to follow her to the door—Lincoln lifts his hand.]
John, I'm rested now—I'm ready for any work——!
Nicolay
The National Committee have just arrived, sir.
Lincoln
All right—let them in!
[Lincoln resumes his place beside his desk and the Committee headed by Henry Raymond, Editor of the New York Times, enter and solemnly range themselves about the President.]
[To Henry Raymond—taking his hand formally.]
Raymond, this is an unexpected honor you and your Committee do me. I thought you were at your desk in the Times office pouring hot shot into the flanks of our enemies, and the boys were all at home fighting for the victory that must be ours on the first Tuesday in November. Not that you're unwelcome. You are the leaders of public opinion. The people rule this country, and I am their servant—what is it——?