The niece of James Buchanan—Her name nearly associated with his
fame—Given to his care when an infant—A child to him—The ancestry
of Pennsylvania blood—Her grandfather—Family of James
Buchanan—His favorite sister—Married to Eliot T. Lane—Mr. Lane’s
position—Their youngest child—A vivacious and mischievous
girl—Little Harriet’s impressions of her uncle—Death of her
mother and father—Possessed of worldly goods—Chooses her uncle’s
home—His pride in this affectionate child—Her guide, philosopher,
and friend—“She never told a lie”—A wilful domestic outlaw—An
anecdote of her girlhood—Her uncle’s rebuke—Harriet sent to
school—Objections to her teachers—Her letters to her uncle—Under
surveillance—Early hours, brown sugar and cold hearts—Another
school selected—Her sister her companion—Three years of
study—Fond of music—A visit to Bedford Springs—Her uncle makes
her happy—In a convent—In Washington every month—Delightful
visits—Miss Lane’s popularity at school—A favorite with the
sisters—The nuns instruct her in music—Her uncle’s
letters—Graduated with honor—Loved and regretted by her
schoolmates—A beautiful woman—Personal description—Taste in
dress—Her uncle’s idol—His account of her athletic
powers—Anecdote of a race she ran—At Wheatland—Her fondness for
reading aloud—Discusses politics and plans improvements about the
grounds—Gay visits to different cities—Admired by gentlemen—Her
uncle’s house invaded by her lovers—Her brothers and sister—Mr.
Buchanan appointed Minister to England—His services to his
country—In Congress, Minister to Russia, Secretary of State—Twice
offered a seat upon the Supreme Bench—Miss Lane’s entrance into
English society—Publicly identified with Mr. Buchanan—Her
rank—The Queen her admirer—Decides her place in the diplomatic
corps for her—A blooming beauty—First appearance at a
drawing-room—A memorable occasion—Unconscious of the attention
she attracted—Mr. Buchanan’s remark to her—Distinguished
attentions of the Queen—Regarded with favor by the royal
family—Added greatly to the social reputation of her uncle—An
elegant-looking couple—A delightful specimen of American
womanhood—The guest of distinguished people—Offers of
marriage—Confides her love-affairs to her uncle—Brightest years
of her life—Miss Lane’s love for England and English people—An
incident of her stay abroad—Travels on the continent—With Mr.
Mason’s family in Paris—Their guest for two months—Miss Lane a
great belle—With her uncle at Oxford—The degree of Doctor of
Civil Laws conferred on Mr. Tennyson and Mr. Buchanan—The
students cheer her—Their admiration openly expressed—Return to
America—Leaves her uncle behind—He regrets the separation—Long
letters to her—The purpose of her coming home—At Wheatland—Her
sister to join her—Death of her sister—Mr. Buchanan’s
return—Nominated for the Presidency—Miss Lane’s social
duties—Mistress of the White House—Death of her brother—A
terrible blow to her—The recipient of much sympathy—Elegant
manners of the Lady of the White House—The most admired woman in
America—Her life a series of honors and pleasures—The formal
receptions—The President’s appearance—His niece by his side—A
trying social position—Visit of the Prince of Wales to this
country—The guest of the President—A delightful visit—An
occurrence of memorable interest—Visit to Mount Vernon—The Prince
a pleasant guest—His frank manners and interest in social
matters—Wishes to dance—The President declines to permit it—The
departure of the Prince—Letter from the Queen and the
Prince—Presents the President with his portrait—Sends Miss Lane
engravings of the Royal Family—Presented to them, not to the
nation—Letter from Lord Lyons to Mr. Buchanan—The closing year of
the administration—Miss Lane a comfort to her uncle—The
approaching war—A time of anxiety—The President’s gratitude for
her admirable demeanor—Faithfully represents him in his
drawing-room—Retirement—At Wheatland—Continued
attentions—Enthusiastic admirers—Miss Lane joins the church—No
other relative than her two uncles—Engagement to Mr.
Johnston—Marriage at Wheatland—The struggle between two loves—Mr.
and Mrs. Johnston’s tour to Cuba—Settle in Baltimore—A luxurious
home—A gift for “the lady of his dreams”—Happiness of the young
couple—Mrs. Johnston as a wife and mother—Death of her uncle—In
summer at Wheatland—A happy life—Later shadows—Death of her
eldest son—A noble youth—Letter from Judge Black—A great
bereavement 498