Act 2, Scene 5 Summary

It is now November, six months later, and this scene takes place in the Edwards home. Mr. Edwards and his wife Elizabeth are having a heated discussion over her sister Mary's intention to marry Abe. Elizabeth feels that she must have lost her senses to consider such a thing. Abe Lincoln is amiable enough, but not fit for marriage to a high-bred, high-spirited young lady like Mary.

Mr. Edwards tells her that Abe loves her sister and has no ulterior motives for his interest in Mary. The fact that she is elegant, cultivated, and the daughter of the president of the Bank of Kentucky has no bearing on his decision.

Mary enters the room and can sense that they have been talking about her. Elizabeth tells her that she cannot understand why she would entertain the thought of marrying this fellow...