Page:Behind the scenes, or, Thirty years a slave and four years in the White House.djvu/177

Rh further on your kindness by asking permission to bring a friend with me?" "Yes, bring your friend also. By the way, come in time to dress me before the speaking commences."

"I will be in time. You may rely upon that. Good morning," I added, as she swept from my room, and, passing out into the street, entered her carriage and drove away.

About 7 o'clock that evening I entered the White House. As I went up-stairs I glanced into Mr. Lincoln's room through the half-open door, and seated by a desk was the President, looking over his notes and muttering to himself. His face was thoughtful, his manner abstracted, and I knew, as I paused a moment to watch him, that he was rehearsing the part that he was to play in the great drama soon to commence. Proceeding to Mrs. Lincoln's apartment, I worked with busy fingers, and in a short time her toilette was completed.