Mrs. Cleveland’s last season in Washington was as gay as her manifold duties would permit. Three babies are a full measure of responsibility even for a mother aided by the best nurses procurable. One of her long-discussed functions was a luncheon for forty-eight guests for her husband’s sister, Miss Rose Cleveland. This was most elaborate and elegant. The last Christmas in their administration was a gay one for the children. Three little stockings were hung on the chimney shelf. There were many gay parties with the Lamont children and other little folk of the Cabinet household, and a whole room filled to its utmost capacity with wonderful gifts and toys. Though the eyes of the nation were already turning toward the future occupants so soon to be installed in the White House, public interest in the Clevelands had not diminished. Mrs. Cleveland’s New Year reception of 1897 and the evening reception which followed were attended by the largest throngs ever known. People seemed just to realize she was leaving the White House, and they were anxious to see and speak with her. Many brought their children, impressing upon them the impending departure of the sweet wholesome lady who gave another opportunity to shake her hand to those who had been too confused to do so when they first passed. Great numbers of guests crowded also to the last of the Saturday afternoon receptions. These delightful affairs for the public ceased with Mrs. Cleveland’s departure, and since her régime, there have been no affairs for the public save the New Year receptions. From Helen Nicolay’s pen this description of one of Mrs. Cleveland’s farewell “crushes” is taken in part: “A little before three o’clock Mrs. Cleveland entered on the arm of Colonel Wilson, and took her place in the improvised passageway, near the northern door leading from the Red into the Blue Room. Colonel Wilson stood between her and the door. “Then the doors were opened and the real reception began, when for two hours people of high and low degree, white and black passed through the room at the rate of twenty-five a minute. Mrs. Cleveland had a smile and a hearty handshake for each one, and her quick wit and gracious tact were exercised to the utmost in kindly deeds. The little woman, for instance, who was so absorbed in gazing at her hostess’s beautiful face that she missed the outstretched hand was given another chance, after she had quite passed on; and the children were greeted with special kindness. There were touchingly many children: little ones in arms, toddlers almost as small, who seemed in danger of being trampled underfoot, but who had been brought because it was Mrs. Cleveland’s last reception and in after years they would be proud to have seen and touched the hand of this most popular mistress of the White House.