President Pierce's Inauguration—The New Cabinet—Mr. Marcy prescribes Court Dress with Varying Results—Jefferson Davis—Sam Houston—General Scott—Washington Irving—Adelina Patti and Mrs. Glasgow—Advice of an "Old Resident" and its Unfortunate Result 15 CHAPTER III Mr. Buchanan and his Cabinet—Roger A. Pryor's Mission to Greece—The Court of Athens—The Maid of Athens—The Ball at the Hotel de Ville—Queen Victoria's Dress and Dancing—The Countess Guiccioli—Early Housekeeping in Washington 38 CHAPTER IV The President at Church—Levee at the White House—A Dinner Party at the White House—Miss Harriet Lane—Lord and Lady Napier—Ball in their Honor—Baron and Madame Stoëckle—Madame Bodisco—The First Japanese Embassy to the United States 47 CHAPTER V Great Names on the Rolls of the Supreme Court, Senate, and House of Representatives—Pen Picture of Stephen A. Douglas—Incident at a Ball—Mrs. Douglas—Vanity Fair, "Caps, Gowns, Petticoats, and Petty Exhibitions"—_Décolleté_ Bodices—A Society Dame's Opinion thereon 66 CHAPTER VI Beautiful Women in Washington during Mr. Buchanan's Administration—Influence of Southern Women in Society—Conversational Talent—Over the _Demi-tasse_ after Dinner—Over the Low Tea-table—Hon. John Y. Mason and the Lady who changed her Mind—The Evening Party—Brilliant Talkers and Good Suppers 80 CHAPTER VII The Thirty-sixth Congress—Stormy Scenes in the House of Representatives—Abusive and Insulting Language—Rupture of Social Relations—Visit from General Cass at Midnight—The Midnight Conference of Southern Leaders—Nominations for the Presidency—The Heated Campaign and the "Unusual Course" of Stephen A. Douglas—Author of the Memorable Words of Mr. Seward, "Irrepressible Conflict" 93 CHAPTER VIII Memorable Days in the History of the Country—A Torch-light Procession in Virginia—An Uninvited Listener to a Midnight Speech—Wedding of Miss Parker and Mr. Bouligny—The President learns of the Secession of South Carolina—Admiral Porter visits his South Carolina Friends—The Last New Year's Day in Washington—Parting Words in Congress—The Setting Sun of a Happy Day 107 CHAPTER IX The Fall of Fort Sumter—Virginia sends "Peace Ambassadors" to Washington—Conventions in Richmond—Ordinance of Secession—Rally of Virginians—Enthusiasm of the Women—Soldiers' Outfits 120 CHAPTER X March of the Volunteers—Sail down James River—Firing the First Gun of the Regiment—A Peaceful Volley 134 CHAPTER XI