Mr. Lincoln: Well, well, he'll have you to thank if he ever does amount to anything, that's sure. (Shivers.) But it's cold in here, what on earth is the matter with your fire?
John (aside): Time for me to run. (Exit at right, hurriedly.)
Mr. Lincoln (turning toward cupboard): It's funny you young ones can't look after the fire when ma's busy.
John, you go bring in some wood! (Looks around.) O, he's gone after it, I guess—about time. (Disappears behind cupboard.)
Mrs. Lincoln (to girls): Don't tell pa that John was waiting for Abe to help him. If you do they'll both get a scolding, maybe.
Matilda: And you, too, for letting Abe go away. (All laugh.)
(John enters at right, carrying wood, which he drops noisily behind cupboard.)
Mrs. Lincoln (starting up): John, why do you drop the wood in that noisy way? (John re-appears and comes down.) After all my talking to you, it does seem as if you might learn to be more quiet about it.
Matilda: Yes, when Abe——