Mrs. Cleveland, wholly natural, unaffected, and genuine, won the hearts of the people literally by the minute. She liked people and everyday things. She had a quality of cordiality in her greetings that was convincingly sincere. One of the little bits of gossip of her first reception shows the President’s pride and confidence in her ability to carry her social responsibilities without his supporting presence. Mrs. Folsom had invaded his office to urge that he go down to see that everything started off well. Though exceedingly busy with papers piled high, he accompanied her, and they slipped into the room without being observed by the new First Lady. They stood watching her fully five minutes as the long stream of people were being presented to her. They heard her cheery, hearty greetings, saw the pleased, admiring faces, and then the President--more the proud husband than the nation’s chief--touched his mother-in-law on the arm and pridefully, though laconically, remarked, “She’ll do! She’ll do!” Upon the jubilee of the entrance of Pope Leo XIII into the priesthood, President Cleveland sent felicitations and a handsomely bound copy of the Constitution of the United States. The event, which occurred January 21, 1888, had been brought to the President’s attention by Cardinal Gibbons, and it was through that prelate that the gift was sent. In transmitting it, Cardinal Gibbons wrote: “It is a tribute paid to Your Holiness by the ruler of sixty million of free men, a ruler elected by them, who feels deeply the supreme responsibility of his exalted station, his dependence upon God’s providence and who has had the wisdom and fortitude to discharge faithfully and conscientiously all the important duties devolving upon him.” The Pope in responding said: “As the head of the Church I owe my duty, love and solicitude to every part of the Church, but toward America I bear especial love. The care of your nation is great. Your government is free. Your future full of hope. Your President commands my highest admiration.” Between the disapproving clergy and the opposing politicians, who classed the gift as a bid for votes, the incident caused wide discussion. For months stories were current of the abuse of Mrs. Cleveland by her husband. Every little trip was construed into a permanent break, and even Mrs. Folsom’s journeys were charged to trouble in the White House. Both the President and his wife were aware of these tales but ignored them, until, finally, Mrs. Cleveland felt constrained to reply to one letter and permit publication of her statement. Executive Mansion, Washington, June 3, 1888. MRS. NICODEMUS DEAR MADAM: