Evening star., 1935-06-23

.QuaHtyWaS
Basis ofFame
Lasting Many.
Years, Though
.PO0erty Cast
.Shad0zUS OUer
Death, Afer
Notable Days
ofPrOsperity
and Personal
Popularity

street address, having resided there
for about a year. By those who knew
her at the time, she is said to have
been pleasant and kind, and delighted
in talking Of the past, when she was
young and had society all agog. She
had been failing for some time, and
her death was not entirely unexpected.
Shortly before the end came, she
looked out of the window at the light
snow that was falling and said: What
a beautiful world to leave"
DRESENT at her bedside when she
breathed her last were Mrs. Can
non, Mrs. James Smiths sister; Mrs.
Smith D. Fry, niece, who was for
merly Mary Randolph Beaumont;
Miss Madge Evans, probably another
niece, who became Mrs. Rogers, and
Harry W. Smith. Rev. Henry r. Nay
lor conducted the funeral services
assisted by Rev. French s. Evans. The
interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
A pathetic part of the last days Of
Mrs. Eaton, as related to the writer,
was that, when a wen-known chari-
table citizens Of washington was asked
to help defray the funeral expenses
of this noted character, he begged to
be excused, and that George W. Childs
Of Philadelphia, being then appealed
to. drew his check for the entire
amount.
The writer feels he should not close
this story without relating an anus
ing incident in the career OF MIS-
Eaton which illustrates, If true, her
shrewdness and her ability to take
care of herself even in fast company.
Mrs. Polk, the story goes, when pre-
siding at the White House, found Mrs.
Eaton's acquaintance not desirable.
This, Mrs. Eaton was not long In dis
covering, and not knowing when she
might be actually excluded, seized the
first opportunity Of q distinguished
gathering at the mansion to express
herself most freely.
Mrs. Polk was seated when Peggy
entered the room, and by her side was
seated the wife of foreign Ambas-
sador, though herself an American
born.
Mrs. Eaton approached" we are
told, nodded with pleasant and IA
miliar smile, and took vacant seat
which happened to be next them.
They were surrounded by Ambassa-
dors, Senators, judges and members
of the cabinet, and became immedi-
ately so engaged in conversation as
apparently not to observe the new
conner.
Peggy bided her time and, taking
advantage of the first pause, said in
a very distinct voice, and with a man
ner that attracted instant attention:
Good morning, Mrs. Polk; you did
not see me: no matter, In such q
charming circle don't wonder at it.
And you, too, Nine. -; how very
well you are both looking. BY the
by, what q funny country this isl
Only think that we three daughters
Of tavernkeepers should be sitting to-
gether here In the White House, and
receiving the. attentions Of the most
distinguished Of our own countrymen
and Of the representatives Of the
crowned heads of Europel Why. how
embarrassed you both lookl don't
mind it a bit. Your father, you know,
Nine. -, kept a tavern in Connec-
ticut, and yours, Mrs. Polk. In Ten
neSsee, and mine-well, mine did not
exactly keep a tavern, it was private
boarding house for members Of Con-
gress; but, for the sake of the unities,
wen call it a tavern. And to think
how ODDLY it has all turned out. You,
Nine. -, married foreign Min
lister and you, Mrs. Polk, are the wife
Of the President. and my husband was
q member Of the cabinet and foreign
minister; and here we are all To-
gether In the White House. Funny
country, iSr't 1t? Good morning, Mrs. !,
Polk; good morning, Mime. -...sE
viii see you both again soon Andsr
so having brought her guns quickly
into action, and delivered her fire, Hhe
unlimbered them and retired before
tina enemy Gould reuly" II