INT. MARY'S BOUDOIR, THE WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT

Spectacles on, Lincoln unlaces Mary's corset.

           LINCOLN

Robert's going to plead with us to let him enlist.

He's unlaced enough; she unhooks the front and steps out of her corset and petticoats, turns to him in her plain thin chemise and drawers.

           MARY

Make time to talk to Robbie. You only have time for Tad.

           LINCOLN

Tad's young.

           MARY

So's Robert. Too young for the army.

           LINCOLN

Plenty of boys younger than Robert signing up...

           MARY

Don't take Robbie. Don't let me lose my son.

There's a knock on the door. Mary turns to it, furious:

           MARY (CONT'D)

Go away! We're occupied!

Lincoln opens the door. Nicolay's standing there.

           JOHN NICOLAY

Secretary Stanton has sent over to tell you that as of half an hour ago, the shelling of Wilmington harbor has commenced. 61.

Lincoln leaves with Nicolay. Mary watches, frozen, unable to let him go, knowing she can't stop him.