lincoln in springfield

[Eva Elisabeth]

Toia - Emilie Todd Helm recalled that Elizabeth Todd Edwards “had invited all of us to a supper party. Sister Mary had just finished a new dress, it was a white silk with blue brocaded flowers scattered over it in bunches and little garlands. When Mr. Lincoln came from his office Mary reminded him it was time to change for the party. He looked at her with a smile. ‘Fine feathers enough on you to make fine birds of both of us.’ Noticing her dress still further, he said, ‘Those posies on your dress are the color of your eyes.’ Mary dimpled with pleasure: ‘You see, Emilie, I am training my husband to see color. I do not think he knew pink from blue when I married him.’”
(Katherine Helm: "Mary Wife of Lincoln," pp. 108-111.)