“Mrs. Whitney gave some Christmas tree parties in that I Street ballroom which were a revelation to many of her visitors, who had never seen anything so bewilderingly gorgeous. A tree reaching to the ceiling would be shining with tinsel and glittering effects, and the centre for one of the merriest gatherings of the West End. Sometimes the party was for the children from St. John’s Orphanage, when substantial gifts followed the other pleasures. Both husband and wife took interest in local affairs and were generous in their charities. Mrs. Whitney’s death followed shortly after her return to New York to reside.” With the Easter festivities came rumours of an approaching White House wedding. Gossips had reported the betrothal of the President and Miss Folsom, and whispers of a Paris trousseau and of the beauty of the bride, “the little schoolgirl friend” whom Miss Cleveland had introduced during a few days’ visit of the early winter. But no official confirmation was forthcoming. The bachelor President, past the age when men are apt to marry, like his predecessor had long been the target for maids and widows matrimonially inclined. He had disposed of his obligations to provide the White House mistress by installing his sister as its chatelaine, but this arrangement was not wholly ideal. Miss Cleveland was gracious and responded to every demand upon her, but she had her own career urging its claims. She was a cultured, educated teacher and author, who filled her difficult rôle with dignity and intelligence. While in the White House she completed a book, “George Eliot’s Poetry and Other Studies,” which, through the prestige of her position, had enormous circulation--twelve editions--bringing her more than $25,000. This offered a convincing argument for a return to her own work, and rumour claimed that she was wholly delighted over the prospect of a White House bridal, and especially pleased that it was to be Miss Folsom, her brother’s ward and the daughter of his former partner.