Chiefly a “home body” in the old-fashioned sense, Mrs. Wilson had never visited the White House during her long residence in Washington until she one time accepted an invitation to tea from Miss Helen W. Bones, the President’s cousin. But when the mansion became her home, she took the most abiding interest in its care. Her taste was everywhere in evidence. But not an unnecessary dollar was allowed to be spent for it after war was declared. The wall coverings became discoloured before the President would consent to new ones, and then the former design was duplicated. The rugs, shabby and worn, were made to answer. Because of expense, only state apartments received any refurbishing. Although Mrs. Wilson eliminated the regular social activities of normal times, she received daily the distinguished people war brought to Washington. Usually, she merely served tea, charmingly and informally. Often-times, however, as in the case of the visit of Prince Axel of Denmark, a more formal entertainment was required. In between her war work and golf for the President’s benefit, she turned to selecting and fitting up a billiard room at one end of the ground-floor corridor. Here she beguiled her husband into many hours of relaxation. A large fireplace and some of the President’s favourite possessions made it an attractive spot. She also set aside and fitted a room to hold the historic White House china, which Mrs. Roosevelt had started collecting. Little cabinets were built in the walls in keeping with the architecture of the house. As new china was needed for use in the White House, Mrs. Wilson inveigled the President into helping her plan the new service of 1,700 pieces to be ordered. His suggestion that the seal of the President be embodied in the design instead of the coat of arms of the United States was the basis of the decoration of the ivory and white service known as the Woodrow Wilson design. The volcano of war was shaking the entire world. America was pouring her measure of manhood and money into the great chasm abroad. The proclamation of war with Austria was followed by conflicts such as the world had never before visioned. Then the armistice was signed. Joy beyond description broke forth over the whole United States. The President felt he must go to Paris. He had his plan for peace and resolved that he and he alone must win its acceptance in Europe. Despite the uproar of protest, despite every argument and appeal of Congress and his Cabinet, he dashed another time-honoured precedent into smithereens, and left the United States in December, 1918, arriving in Paris December 15th. He remained away two months.