“Newspaper woman! eh?”
“Sometimes.”
“I don’t think Mrs. Grant wants to be written up in the newspapers. She ain’t that kind of a woman.”
“I beg your pardon, General! I shall take no advantages of Mrs. Grant’s courtesy or kindness, but the people will wish to know something of the ‘lady of the White House,’ and how can I make up one of the ‘pictures’ unless I am permitted to dip my pen at the fountain head?”
“Can’t you see her at her receptions? I think she sees ladies Saturday afternoons.”
“I never describe dress. I want to tell the people something about the woman inside the clothes.”
“I shall have to turn you over to General Badeau!”
At this moment a bell was touched and a lackey, minus the military buttons, appeared.
“Show this lady to General Badeau’s room.”
Over the tufted carpet, through vestibule and broad hall, until the right door was reached. A smart knock, which was answered by “Come in!”