Lincoln & Herndon

[Eva Elisabeth]

Here's the 1839 waltz episode:
" A few moments later, as we were promenading through the hall, I thought to compliment her graceful dancing by telling her that while I was conscious of my own awkward movements, she seemed to glide through the waltz with the ease of a serpent. Her eyes flashed as she replied : "Mr. Herndon, comparison to a serpent is rather severe irony, especially to a newcomer.' "

I think this is neither the origin nor the reason, but one very representative example of their relationship.