precious snow-shovel. Dear knows why he has it out this early.

AMY.
Because paper is expensive, goosey. By the light of some pine cones he
can figure on this, and then scrape it off again.

TOM
(admiringly).
Nobody but Abe would think of such a thing. I tell you the day will
come when we'll be proud we knew him.

AMY
(gaily).
Bravo, Tom! You'll be making speeches soon, or lead in our next debate.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN
(speaking from outer doorway, ax on shoulder, a gaunt, rawboned,
kindly-eyed lad).
Who said _debate--?_

AMY
(jumping up with a burst of delighted laughter).
There he is now! (To Lincoln.) If any word would bring you, that one
would, I know!

POLLY.
Nancy isn't here. She said we were to wait. Go on with your supper,
Abe, and don't mind us. I know you're hungry.

LINCOLN.