No boy had ever
so gracious a listener before; no mother could have been more tenderly
motherly than the woman who sat opposite him and seemed so honestly
interested in all that he told. Not for a moment during all those two
hours was he allowed to remember that his host and hostess were the
President of the United States and the first lady of the land!
That evening was the first of many thus spent as the years rolled by;
unexpected little courtesies came from the White House, and later from
"Spiegel Grove"; a constant and unflagging interest followed each
undertaking on which the boy embarked. Opportunities were opened to
him; acquaintances were made possible; a letter came almost every month
until that last little note, late in 1892:
MY DEAR FRIEND:
I would write you more fully if I could. You are always thoughtful and
kind.
Thankfully your friend,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
Thanks--thanks for your steady friendship.
The simple act of turning down his wine-glasses had won for Edward Bok
two gracious friends.
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