Show Mamie and Ike will celebrate their next anniversary at their home in Gettysburg (Continued) played on her sympathy I sought to give her an “out” “Don’t you have to discuss it?” I was thinking of course that Ike might have some other plans “Why should I have to discuss it?” she retorted “I make the social engagements in this house so I’ll expect you” Once again I’d seen a demonstration of Mamie’s positive approach to what she regards as her own domain Outside of that domain she is reticent When world events are being discussed by people she considers better qualified to talk — her husband for instance — she sits by quietly and listens Early in 1951 we kissed them good-b- y The General had accepted the post as commander of SHAPE and NATO and they were to live outside Paris until June 1952 when he came home to accept the presidential nomination During this time our letters flew back and forth Mamie’s were always friendly personal and full of “girl talk” She’d ask me to buy little things she’d seen advertised in the New York newspapers and as I was by this time fashion director of a large New York department store nothing was easier Feeling I’d for me to do Shopping for Mamie has been one of the small ways in which I’ve sought to repay her friendship Our tastes are so similar it has never been a problem for me Mamie had always admired my hats so it was natural that I should introduce her to Sally Victor who has made her hats since the famous gray one she wore at the first inauguration A charming memory comes to mind in ' regard to the inaugural hat I was sitting in Mamie’s bedroom at Morn ingside Drive while she was having the final fitting Her young granddaughter Barbara Anne was there parading around with a crown on her head made newspapers Mamie was from cut-u- p telling her a story and Barbara Anne 10 Family Weekly June 26 I960 kept asking “Then what happened?” So Mamie about to become the First Lady about to appear before millions on movie and television screens about to take her place in our history went right on with her fitting while she con tinued “And ” princess so the beautiful young I believe Mamie would prefer to be with her grandchildren than with any of the famous personalities she meets as wife of the President! Since Mamie has been in the White House I’ve naturally seen less of hei The demands on her time are constant she When I’m in Washington however in a peJ always manages to squeeze hal sonal visit even if it’s only for a |