The Lafayette advertiser. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], La.) 1865-19??, 1890-08-09
TACT.
[Saturday Evening Post. I

have natural talent that way.
When careless talker, who wa
criticising a young lady's father Sc
verely, paused a moment to say, 4"
hope he is no relation of yours, Mis-
B-?" quick as thought she reptile
with the utmost nonchalance: "Onl
q connection of mothers by marriage.
Few could hope to show such cley
er readiness of speech n dilemma O
the kind. Yet in a more curiou
way this was almost matched by
cautious old woman, who, when aske,
what she thought of one of her neigh
bors of the name of Jones, with
knowing look replied:
"Why, | don't like to say anythin,
about any of my neighbors; but as te
Mr.. Jones, sometimes / think, ant
then again Idon't know; but after all
l rather guess he'll turn out to be 8
good deal such q sort of man as
take him to bel"
In little episode of village life We
had lately another interesting instance
of feminine tact. Upon the conclu-
sion of marriage in village church
the bridegroom signed his x mark.
The pretty young bride did the same;
and then turning to young lady who
had known her as the best scholar in
the school, whispered to her, while
love and admiration shone in her eyes:
"He is dear fellow, miss, he can
not write. He is going to learn from
me, and l would not shame him for
the world"
But it is not always so apparent
that in the affairs of life women are
more adroit than men, or show more
discernment or better perception.
Who has not noticed how often
mothers and nurses, by continually
uttering vague threats, which their
little charges soon learn are never
fulfilled, lose all authority-while one
word from Paterfamilias acts like ma
gic in restoring order and obedience
amongst the young rebels.
It is undeniable that concerning the
love affairs Of others women usually
show much more perspicacity than
men, and know how to act according
ly; yet often in their own cases the
tact evinced by them in skillfully ma
naging lover would seem to be lost
when that lover becomes a husband.
"Tact," we are told, "often thwarts
strength" and certainly may be made |
a wonderful instrument of concilia-
ton and paci6cation.
To be able readily and without pre-
miditation to do or say the right
thing is an enviable gift, one that has
not unfrequently brought substantial
rewards to its possessor.
To ask favor gracefully, or to
compose we'll worded or delicately
expressed missive in matters of diplo-
macy, would probably tax the mental
resources Of most of US.
10 many men the art of least put
ting things in a kind and compliment
ary way is not uncommon-an art
that was we'll cultivated by the cour-
tiers Of days gone by.
The painter who drew the terrible !
one-eyed Tamerlane in the attitude Of ].
3 warrior taking aim with his bow,
and consequently having one eye clos
ed ls an illustration in point. {
Nor was the Spanish nobleman who !
'ent Queen Elizabeth booking glass
when asked by her majesty for the .
portrait q the lady who possessed SO .
accomplished cavaliers heart, a whit j
behind Raleigh himself in readiness q
md delicacy of tact. !,
A gentleman was heard to remark
It q fashionable French gathering:
AT that time, Marchioness, l was in
ove;. then suddenly interrupting HIM :
elf: "But no doubt you are astonish-
q that any one should fall in love be- = =
ore knowing you'll" =
Npls, we admit, was rather an ms !
anl5P p1,I Of excessive gallantry than of 4
e, e fInsss such as was displayed BY an :
thef Frenchman in the following: !; :
An old nobleman was lately accost- =
q by an elderly lady with white hair . .,
= q party given by a baroness. - -
Don't you recognize me, Monsieur y
,Aureyiller The gentleman was ST. . .
snt. IT is many years." she CONT +
ued, since we met; I think in 1848." = =
All, madam" !" exclaimed the noble. :: !:
ian, you have greatly changed since = :,
nat time Could any one but a !. =
frenchman have shaped such an :; :;
nswer? Ct
1t must have been q countryman Of e =,
is who said: IF you wish to nav a :
retty compliment to plain and ig- =, u
GRANT woman, and at the same time q
9 ;, not wish to be guilty Of falsehood = =
IL her that she is as beautiful as she -
accomplished. She will think YOU
e charming man, and your cons :,
ence guiltless Of an untruth." Such N
. advertiser must be one Of the best 80
;Plomatists Of society. I,
sFrun naur%n~.. =.