The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1902-03-02

more than thirty years. IF she only ask
for the morning paper or that q note be
mailed former or that the simplest errand be
done. she Ia always most careful TO thank
you for Il. and her consideration for the
old fellows who have for years served on
the White House stan is very touching
She has ever a polite word and q merry
heart. and almost more than any other
member Of the Presidents family has won
the heart OF everybody about here
Before her marriage. and before the
tragic death OF her brother, Helen Hay
was naturally the leader of social affairs
In the young set Of Washington society, ard
this mantle OF leadership would naturally
fall upon the shoulders OF her younger
sister we're not the family In mourning.
Miss Alice Hay. unlike her sister. Mira.
Whitney, Ia not literary, and aside from
current magazine reading, and the last new
book cares little for that phase OF life.
Although she is shorter and stouter than
Mrs. Whitney. there Ia yet a remarkable
resemblance between them and the picture
OF one might readily pass for the picture
OF tho other. Miss Hay has a less serious
turn Of mind than Mrs. Whitney. and were
the family not in mourning, 1t is safe to
say nat she would be the close ally OF Miss
Roosevelt In the dance and other girlish
social pastimes. Now she confines herself
20 a few girl friends for luncheon. and with
hor parents observes the ~stIictest rules Of
mourning.
During this gayest Of Washington winters,
M.ss Root, daughter of the Secretary OF
War, has been the leading spirit, and with
the daughters of Secretary Hitchcock has
entertained more than any Of the other
girls OF the Cabinet. Miss Root lie OF medium
height, with soft fair skin, dark eyes and a
wealth Of beautiful brown hair. She has
been a ~favorite In Washington society since
her advent In the Cabinet family, and has
attended In company with Miss Roosevelt
all Of the fashionable dances since the latter
made her debut.
Miss Rebecca Knox Ia small, sedate. and OF
A more serious turn Of mind than any other
Of the girls Of the Cabinet. She was grad
usted from the Misses Ely's school in New
York and took a post graduate course there.
She is perhaps the best Informed girl In
Washing on literature and art, and
while she Ia not an artist In the sense OF
painting, she has been consulted In the
purchase OF a number Of valuable canvases
While she plays but little she Is a thorough
musical critic, and her opinion Is esteemed
by those who know her, and her CONVERSE
ton on these subjects Ia full OF interest.
Perhaps there never was another girl
In the Cabinet family so averee 10 society
as Miss Knox, vet her hospitable disposi-
ton makes of her an accomplished hostess,
and the Knox house Is the f~avorte resort
Of the Cabinet girls. A merrier, happier
home circle than that over which Miss
Knox 10. next TO her mother, the presiding
genius, 10 not found in Washington.
Like her father. Miss Knox Is fond Of
horses, and when In California or even over
country roads in Pennsylvania, drives a
four-in-hand with great grace. She Ia the
most accomplished whip Of her sex In
Washington.
The Misses Hitchcock have. unlike Miss
had several seasons In society,
and while Secretary Hitchcock was Minister
and Ambassador 70 Russia. they enjoyed
the brilliant court life OF st. Petersburg.
They are fne { nguists, and their apart
mente in the family residence on X street
bespeak their bachelor procliyities. The
walls are covered with hats, Alpine stocks.
golf clubs and hundreds Of trophies brought
from many lands.
Mrs. PAYNE cannot be strictly called a
Cabinet girl, but shs has been a welcome
guest at the White House many times
this winter, and Is a favorite In Washington
~societv generally.