Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. II.djvu/154

118 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS her to the Moravian institute at Salem, N. C., where she was educated. On returning home, she married Mr. Polk, who was then a member of the legislature of Tennessee. The following year he was elected to congress, and during his fourteen sessions in Washington Mrs. Polk s courteous man ners, sound judgment, and many attainments gave her a high place in society. On her return as the wife of the president, having no children, Mrs. Polk devoted herself entirely to her duties as mistress of the White House. She held weekly receptions, and abolished the custom of giving re freshments to the guests. She also forbade danc ing, as out of keeping with the character of these entertainments. In spite of her reforms, Mrs. Polk was extremely popular. "Madam," said a prominent South Carolinian, at one of her recep tions, "there is a woe pronounced against you in the Bible." On her inquiring his meaning, he added: "The Bible says, Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you. An English lady visiting Washington thus described the president s wife : "Mrs. Polk is a very handsome woman. Her hair is very black, and her dark eyes and com plexion remind one of the Spanish donnas. She is well read, has much talent for conversation, and is highly popular. Her excellent taste in dress pre serves the subdued though elegant costume that characterizes the lady." Mrs. Polk became a com-