Skilfully the President drew from him the story of his youthful hopes and ambitions, and before the boy knew it he was telling the President and his wife all about his precious _Encyclopaedia_, his evening with General Grant, and his efforts to become something more than an office boy.

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.
The passion for autograph collecting was now leading Edward to read the authors whom he read about.