Sarah (catching her by the arm): Hush, Matilda! if you keep on (they come down to right front) you'll make John hate Abe. Don't hold him up to John all the time as a pattern.
Matilda (sighs): But, you know, Sarah, Abe is so different. He never does any of those disagreeable things that John is always doing. I remember, when we first came here, ma told Abe to take off his hat when he came into the house, and she never has had to tell him the second time; but she is still trying to hammer it into John.
Sarah: Yes, dear, I know, and Abe is so kind to everyone and so thoughtful of other people's comfort. I am so glad he is my brother, and I only wish I were half as good and kind as he.
Matilda: Yes, and so jolly, too.
Sarah: Only sometimes he looks so sad—that must be when he's hungry for more books.
John (coming towards them): What are you two girls talking about over here?
(Mr. Lincoln appears from behind cupboard, carrying a large wooden shovel, the blade of which is covered with black figures. He comes down, confronting Mrs. Lincoln.)
Mr. Lincoln: Mother, what in the world is this?
Mrs. Lincoln (laughing): O, those are Abe's sums.