gay group breaks into the room, augmented by Jason and Lucy Brown. They
surround Lincoln, who has risen.

TOM.
Now, Abe, you know you like a husking better than anything else.

LINCOLN.
Better than most things, Tom; but not better than all.

[Looks toward his books.

JASON
(coaxing).
Come On, Abe, it's no fun without you.

LINCOLN
(decidedly).
Not to-night, Jason.

FRANCOIS.
You'll miss ze husking, Abe.

LINCOLN.
I know that, Francois; but then I'll gain--so much else! (Looks again
towards his beloved books.) There's husking to do there, Francois.

NANCY.
You'll be sitting here all lonely, without any friends.

LINCOLN