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Segment Three of Washington society is the only segment which Segment Three acknowledges. It is composed of the old Washington families, or "Cave Dwellers." Its leaders—generally Republican, generally of advanced age—are inclined to look upon the Eisenhowers as people come to rescue them after 20 years of darkness and horrid sounds. But they will want to look sharply at the deliverers before giving complete approval. The interest in Segment Three is mainly speleological.
Mrs. Eisenhower's principal social drive will not lead her into the exclusive orbit of any of these groups. For years her social mainspring has been this: she thinks Ike is wonderful, and she likes to have people around who think Ike is wonderful. Out of this could come a vast program of political entertaining, not only of Washingtonians, but of visitors from near& far.
On inauguration day there will be few U.S. citizens who will not wish her well—and few who will not hope, however vaguely, to drop in on her at the White House themselves some day.
*One notable exception: Mary Todd Lincoln, who said: "He is to become President of the U.S. one day; if I had not thought so, I would never have married him, for you can see he is not pretty." * The furniture, wallpaper, draperies and paintings in the five main public rooms of the new-White House were approved by the Fine Arts Commission. Presidential families, by general agreement, abide by its decision. But if a President's wife insists on rearranging the furniture, she may do so despite any protests by the commission, Congress or the public. * Two of Mamie's sisters, Eleanor and Eda May, died while in their teens; the third, Mrs. Frances ("Mike") Moore, is the wife of an air transport executive in Washington.