The Empire County argus., 1856-01-26
PunctuaIIty; Or, Business Before Pleasure.
"Ihe hour, the appointed hour,
Be at your post"

"The hour, the appointed hour.
BE at your post"
Many persons who aae in the habit of making
visits of business commit sad error in not stating
their object at once and in as few words as posi-
BILE. They hesitate, introduce some subject alto
gether foreign occupy much precious time, and all
to little purpose. Instead of proceeding to the
matter in hand directly, they apologize for the in
trusion, intimate that another time may prove ac-
ceptabe, explain and prevaricate, until at last the
real object is absolutely forced from them All
this is exceedingly annoying to persons who have
no time to waste upon mere prosers.
We may mention the case of one individual who
invariably states his object in a roundabout way,
and introduces at least one other subject prepara-
tory to that which he really desires to converse
upon He does So too, in the potest manner;
torgetful, however, that time is precious and that
there are other people in the world besides himself
visit, strictly of business should be brief direct
and to the purpose. When, moreover, a compara-
tive stranger enters room, and finds two others
confdentially engaged, he should have the good
sense either to withdraw at once ask for an in
terview aside. 1t often happens, however, that
such intruders sit down quietly with their ears
outstretched, and thus they not only listen but at
the first opportunity, they volunteer their opinion
and advice. There are moreover certain periods
of the day in which most individuals are actively
employed. At such seasons, therefore, they should
not be intruded upon except by intimate friends
unless the necessity arises out of business urgen-
cy.
A few days since we observed an experienced
and enterprising merchant passing rapidly up
Chestnut street, the time being few minutes to
three o'clock. Just above Third street, he was
stopped by of the idlers of the town, who COM
menced silly conversation. The merchant man.
ifested mpatience but the other seemed determin-
ed to persist. The merchant stood it, for about
five minutes, and then broke away, evidently irri-
tated The fact was, he about TO take up one
or two notes in the bank, and interruption under
such circumstances was quite annoying. An anec-
dote in point may be mentioned: Douglas Jemold
the celebrated writer, was one day huwying thro
leading street in London, evidently immersed in
thought, when he was interrupted by quad nunc
who exclaimed, ''Well, Jcrrold, what is going on
to-day!' The reply was quick and petulent, but
pihy and pointed. II don't know said Jerrod,
'but am" And on he went.
Another: Some years since, a distinguished law
yer of this city, on passing up Walnut street. saw
an intimate friend held closely by the button by an
inveterrte proser whose designation we will give
for the present as Mr.. s. The lawyer Immediately
stopped and observed to his friend, ''When you
have done with Mr. s. would like few moments
conversation with you" He then fell back few
steps and waited. The effect was as anticipated
and the proser Immediately took his departure
The lawyer then stepped up to his friend and re-
marked, ''When you find me in like dilemma, be
good enough to afford me the relief that have just
given you. Good day" 1t should be remember
ed that punctuality in the fuflment of engage
ments is a matter of the utmost Importance with
men of business: and yet it is quite difficult for
them to be punctual under some of the circumstan-
ces we have described. A day or two since,
friend was stopped in the street for only five min
utes, to hear story that turned out of very little
Importance, and yet he lost his passage to New
York. He arrived at the wharf just one minute
too late
Another anecdote in point: In the year 1912,
two of our most eminent physicians DR.. r. and DR..
W., had an appointment together for the purpose
Of consultation. The hour four O'clock in the
afternoon. DR.. r. arrived at the designated time,
and with watch in hand, walked up and down the
parlor. Five minutes had elapsed and DR.. w had
not made his appearance. AT the expiration of ten
minutes he came. Dr. r. then complained bitterly,
and said in consequence Of the delay his entire
business for the afternoon had been deranged. DR..
w, apologzed and promised to do better next time.
The other shook his head with credulty and said
that unfortunately the case was not the first of the
kind. They then visited the patient and made an
other engagement for ten o'clock the next morning.
DR.. w. was on this occasion, five minutes in ad-
vance, whereas DR.. r. made his appearance exactly
as the clock was striking ten. The other, as he
saw his approach exclaimed with exultation, "Ah
Doctor, who is the punctual man this time !n 81