MRS. LINCOLN'S INFLUENCE

95 alizing that Lincoln's rise in the world would elevate and strengthen her, she strove in every way to promote his fortunes, to keep him moving, and thereby win the world's applause."

CHAPTER VIII

Further accounts of Mrs. Lincoln - Herndon's account of the dance with her -The serenade - Riding with the Bradfords-Her difficulties with the servants - Her husband's ingenious scheme to retain them - The government of the children - Lincoln taking them to the office on Sunday - His control over them-Playing chess with Judge Treat - An interesting glimpse by a law student - Description of the office - How Lincoln dressed - How he spent the day - His habits of study - Escorting Mrs. Lincoln to a ball - Her husband's consideration for her - His action when a storm threatened. OUTSIDE of her husband and kindred it is fair to assume that Mr. Herndon knew Mrs. Lincoln more thoroughly and comprehended her peculiar construction better than almost any other person in Springfield. The popular notion fathered by numerous writers that the two were hostile to each other and at outs most of the time has no sure foundation on which to rest. That they did not invariably and completely agree on all subjects is doubtless true, but it does not necessarily follow that they hated each other. In fact the correspondence between them, much of which I have been privileged to read, as well as the many facts I gathered during my association with Mr. Herndon, convince me to the contrary. I cannot, therefore, resist the conclusion, regardless of the things which have found their way into the columns of some of our newspapers and magazines, that Mr. Herndon and Mrs. Lincoln, all things considered, held each other in generous and reasonable esteem.

"Mary Todd," wrote Mr. Herndon, "was a woman of more than average attainments, having had the benefit of a thorough education, excellent social training, and the most refined surroundings. She was a good writer, could

HERNDON'S DANCE WITH MISS TODD 97

express her thoughts in chaste and perfect English; understood French and was otherwise highly endowed. Of all the ladies to whom Mr. Lincoln paid court she was undoubtedly the most versatile and accomplished. An animated and interesting talker, she was also a shrewd observer, and in some respects a better and more intuitive judge of men than her husband. But unfortunately for her and those with whom she came in contact, she seemed to lack the very elements calculated to win the reverence and retain the affection of a man of Mr. Lincoln's type. Not entirely free from an appearance of haughty disdain, she was devoid of patience, tolerance, and self-control. In her letters, some of which were addressed to me and others which I have read, she invariably speaks of her husband in the most endearing and affectionate language; and yet I am sure her fearless, austere, and caustic nature greatly marred the blissful companionship which should have existed between her and her imperturbable and kindly natured helpmate."

Miss Todd came to Springfield from her Kentucky home about the time the place became the capital of the State, and she was promptly and cordially welcomed into the highest and most approved social circles. A comely and attractive figure she soon had a number of admirers. Among the latter was Mr. Herndon, who was about her age. This is his account of their first meeting: "It was at an evening party and I danced with her. I was charmed with her, and after the dance I thought it would be seemly and proper to compliment her on her superb poise and graceful bearing, meanwhile suggesting that her movements on the floor, as she glided through the waltz, were