It was thought that a union between them could not fail of numerous benefits to both parties.
Mr.Edwards thought so; Mrs.Edwards thought so; and it was not long before Mary Todd herself thought so.

She was very ambitious, and even before she left Kentucky announced her belief that she was destined to be the wife of some future President.

For a while she was courted by Douglas as well as by Lincoln.

Being asked which of them she intended to have, she answered, 'The one that has the best chance of being President.' She decided in favor of Lincoln; and in the opinion of some of her husband's friends she aided to no small extent in the fulfilment of the prophecy which the bestowal of her hand implied." Mrs.Edwards, Miss Todd's sister, has related that "Lincoln was charmed with Mary's wit and fascinated with her quick sagacity, her will, her nature and culture.

I have happened in the room," she says, "where they were sitting, often and often, and Mary led the conversation.