President Arthur’s position and appearance, and the fact that he was the most eligible widower of the land, made him the target for the attentions and machinations of hosts of women. Mothers with marriageable daughters, engaging widows eager to console and to be consoled, and hosts of romantic girls who visioned the President as the reincarnation of the famous King Arthur, all put forth their most winning smiles in the effort to focus his attention upon themselves. Did he pay a compliment to one, present a posy to another, stroll through the conservatory alone with the wife or daughter of a member of his Cabinet, lo! tongues wagged, shoulders were shrugged, eyebrows lifted, telegrams bore veiled allusions, and gossip had him tagged and all ready for marriage bells to ring. The only difficulty was that the President kept serenely on his way with the same deference and gallantry to all, and eventually any hopes of a White House bride to give society a new sensation in this administration faded before the conviction that a second marriage was not listed upon the presidential calendar of intentions. President Arthur gave a state dinner and reception in honour of General and Mrs. Grant who were his guests at the White House while on a visit to Washington. On March 22, 1883, the dinner was given to the Diplomatic Corps, so that the members of that body in Washington might have the opportunity to meet the former President, who had been honoured above all other Americans in his tour of the world so recently completed. It was a most brilliant affair, and opened a series of unusually delightful and elegant functions for the former President and First Lady. The state dining room, the East Room, and all other state apartments were so elaborately decorated with flowers as to resemble a tropical garden. On the evening of the next day came the reception to which the public was invited, to pay its respects to the great commander and the gentle lady who had never refused an appeal for aid nor withheld her sympathy during the eight years of her residence in the house of the Presidents. The dinner and reception in honour of Christine Nilsson was regarded as the smartest event of the year. After the President escorted the singer to the East Room, she sang with the Marine Band, her splendid voice high above it as she carried the air. Later in the evening, a large throng attended the reception, during which she sang “The Last Rose of Summer” and “Way Down Upon the Suwanee River,” playing her own accompaniments. Those privileged to attend considered the event one of rare distinction.