Page:Behind the scenes, or, Thirty years a slave and four years in the White House.djvu/300

298 war and its devastation engaged them. The bluffy individual, doubtless a Republican who bad pocketed his many thousands, spoke of the widows of the land, made so by the war. My reading man remarked to him: " 'Are you aware that Mrs. Lincoln is in indigent circumstances, and has to sell her clothing and jewelry to gain means to make life more endurable?' "The well-conditioned man replied: 'I do not blame her for selling her clothing, if she wishes it. I suppose when sold she will convert the proceeds into five-twenties to enable her to have means to be buried.' "The World man turned towards him with a searching glance, and replied, with the haughtiest manner: 'That woman is not dead yet.' "The discomfited individual looked down, never spoke another word, and in half an hour left his seat, and did not return. "I give you word for word as the conversation