'The Widow Lincoln' at Ford's Theatre shows a first lady in mourning

The southern belle in the white ruffled gown is reliving better days. In particular, she is recalling a carriage ride with her husband, who at the time seemed unwontedly cheerful, she recalls. Remembering their bantering conversation, the woman leans forward, arms extended, as if trying to embrace the memory. Happiness plays across her face, but confusion does, too. And the bloodstains on her gown testify to an experience more recent than the carriage ride.