in so
conspicuous a situation, to envy, jealousy, and misconstruction, she so
managed as to conciliate the good-will of all, without offending the
self-love of any of the numerous competitors for her favour and
attention. Every visiter left her with the pleasing impression of being
an especial favourite, of having been the object of peculiar attention.
She never forgot a name she had once heard, nor a face she had once
seen, nor the personal circumstances connected with every individual of
her acquaintance. Her quick recognition of persons, her recurrence to
their peculiar interests produced the gratifying impression in each and
all of those who conversed with her that they were especial objects of
regard. The house was very plainly furnished, and her dress in no way
extravagant; and it was only in hospitality and charity that her
profusion was unlimited.

[_Mrs. Madison_:

"Individuals who never visited at the President's, nor met at the
other ministerial houses, could not resist the softening influences
of her conciliatory disposition, of her frank and gracious
manners....

"... receiving and reciprocating civilities in the most kind and
friendly manner; The Secretary himself, being wholly absorbed in
public business, left to Mrs. Madison the discharge of the duties of
social intercourse. And never was a woman better calculated for the
task. Exposed, as she necessarily must have been in so conspicuous a
situation, to envy, jealousy, and misconstruction, she so managed as
to conciliate the good-will of all, without offending the self-love
of any of the numerous competitors for her favor and attention.
Every visitor left her with the pleasing impression of being an
especial favorite, of having been the object of peculiar attention.
She never forgot a name she had once heard, nor a face she had once
seen, nor the personal circumstances connected with every individual
of her acquaintance. Her quick recognition of persons; her
recurrence to their peculiar interests, produced the gratifying
impression, in each and all of those who conversed with her, that
they were especial objects of regard.

"Her house was very plainly furnished, and her dress in no way
extravagant. It was only in hospitality and in charity that her
profusion was unchecked...."]

The amiable and engaging qualities which have been here described,
characterized Mrs. Madison in her husband's public lif