Did She Take the Wink to Herself?
Miss Anna Dickinson, lecturing by invitation in the House of Representatives’ Hall, alluded to the sunburst which came upon the President on inauguration day, just as he took the oath of office. The illustrious auditor sat directly in front of the lady, so that he also faced the reporters’ gallery behind her. Lincoln amiably glanced over her head, caught sight of an acquaintance among the newspaper men, and winked to him as she made the reference to the so-esteemed omen. Next day he said to this gentleman—Noah Brooks:
“I wonder if Miss Dickinson saw me wink at you?”