The Princess wore a court gown of white satin brocaded in rosebud stripes. Her skirt, with many gores, was full, and the train long; the whole lower part of the skirt was bordered with a ruffle of lace caught with bunches of wild roses. The bodice was low and was distinctive, since it had no sleeves, the lace and flower trimming making a band over the shoulders. Her jewels were superb—diamonds and emeralds of prodigious size and brilliance, and in a quantity to be deserving of the judgment that they were worth a king’s ransom.
The guests at the state dinner comprised the Cabinet, the members of the Supreme Court and their wives, General and Mrs. Schofield, the Spanish Minister, Senator Sherman, and Mrs. Harriet Land Johnston. The boutonnières for the gentlemen were yellow orchids, while a cluster of American Beauty roses was provided for each lady. Place cards were long Spanish flags with their staffs tied with the Spanish colours.
No private calls were received by the Infanta—only those of an official nature. According to the custom followed abroad, a book was kept at the ladies’ entrance of the hotel. All persons entitled to call were requested to inscribe their names therein. This was considered a call, since visiting cards were not left for royalty. Upon the cover of this was embossed in gold letters: “Infantes Du Antonio y Da Eulalia.”
When the party had first arrived, a small Spanish lad who had been a stowaway on the ship joined it. Despite his being rebuked, he made his way to Washington, and when the matter was brought to the Princess’s attention, she laughed and, to the boy’s great joy, ordered him put in uniform and attached to her suite.
After almost a week of charming attentions and delightful experience, the royal party departed for New York and Chicago, the crowd keeping a close vigil until the last of the one hundred and two pieces of baggage had been carried off to the station.
The Infanta’s reception in the United States throughout her stay brought forth her warm praise.
Photo. by Clinedinst Studio, Washington, D. C.
THE INAUGURATION OF GROVER CLEVELAND
In September, the White House nursery had another occupant, with the birth of another little daughter, Esther. Much of Mrs. Cleveland’s time had been occupied in making many of the dainty little garments after she had withdrawn herself from social affairs for the summer months.