Mrs. Washington was always actuated by a similar sense of propriety; and her demeanor towards the general seemed to say, "You are my son." And the general accepted that exhibition of maternal dignity and love as proper and honorable. At the close of the Revolution, Lafayette, before leaving the country, visited Mrs. Washington at her home. One of her grandsons accompanied him to the house. As they approached, the grandson said, pointing to an old lady in the garden: "There is my grandmother in the garden." "Indeed!" answered Lafayette. "I am happy to find her able to be out." Lafayette saluted her in his cordial way on coming up to her, when she replied: "Ah, Marquis, you see an old woman; but come, I can make you welcome to my poor dwelling without the parade of changing my dress." "I come to bid you adieu before leaving the country," remarked Lafayette, when they were seated in the house. "I desired to see you once more." "I assure you that nothing could afford me more real pleasure than to welcome once more to my home so distinguished a friend of my son and my country," Mrs. Washington answered. "I congratulate you upon having such a son and such a country," continued Lafayette. "I trust that I am grateful for both," Mrs. Washington replied. "I rejoice with you in your son's well-earned fame," continued the distinguished Frenchman, "and I am glad that you have lived to see this day." Lafayette proceeded to rehearse the patriotic deeds of Washington for his country, growing more and more enthusiastic in his praise as he continued, until finally Mrs. Washington remarked: "_I am not surprised at what George has done, for he was always a good boy._" Washington retired to his home at Mount Vernon at the close of the war, and earnestly entreated his mother to take up her abode with him. "You are too aged and infirm to live alone," he said, "and I can have no greater pleasure than to have you in my family." "I feel truly grateful for your kindness, George, but I enjoy my mode of life," she answered. "I think it is according to the direction of Providence." "It would not be in opposition to Providence if you should come to live with me," responded Washington with a smile. "Nevertheless, I must decline. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your interest and love, _but I feel fully competent to take care of myself_." That settled the question, and she remained at Fredericksburg. When Washington was elected President of the United States, he paid a farewell visit to his mother. He was about to depart for the seat of government, which was in New York City. "I would gladly have avoided this responsibility for your sake, as well as mine," remarked Washington; "but Providence seemed to leave me no way of escape, and I have come to bid you an affectionate farewell." "You are in the way of duty, George, and I have no desire to interpose," his mother answered. "My race is almost run, and I shall never see you again in the flesh."