Lincoln, the junior, "Tad," had the run of the Executive Mansion, and,
like all spoiled children, abused the license. He burst into the heart
of a company listening to his father's talk with the exclamation:
"Ma says, come to supper!"
It was impossible for the most diplomatic to pretend that he had not
heard, and all looked from the intruder to the host. Never at a loss,
Mr. Lincoln rose from the sofa, and blandly said as to "married folks
together":
"You have heard, gentlemen, the announcement concerning the seductive
state of things in the dining-room. I had intended to train up this
young man in his father's footsteps, but, if I am elected, I must
forego any intention of making him a member of my Cabinet, as he
manifestly cannot be trusted with secrets of the interior!"
* * * * *