Waterbury evening Democrat., 1890-02-22
PEOPLE OF TACT.
To Most Women This Valuable
 Possession Is Inborn.
Anecdotes of Men and Women Who r. Trying Situations Have Exercised Tact, Much to tho Peace of
 Mind of All Concerned.

| 10 DC able to say the right thing at
 the right moment is great art, and said only to be acquired by those who have natural talent that way. When acareless talkcr, who was criticising Q young lady's father severely, paused Q moment to say; 1T hope he is no rela- tion of yours, Miss B--?" quick as thought she replied, with the utmost nonchalance: ''Only connection of mothers by marriage.'
 l Few could hope to show such clever readiness of speech in dilemma of the Kind, says Chambers Journal. Yet in moro curious and amusing way this was almost matched by a cautious old woman, who, when asked what she thought of one of her neighbors of the name of Jones, with a knowing look re- piled: "Why, don't like to say any thing about my neighbors; but as to Mr. Jones. sometimes I think, and then again l don't know; but, after all, I rather guess he'll turn out to be good l deal such sort of man as I take him to bel"
 In little episode of village life we had lately another interesting instance of feminine tact. Upon the conclusion of marriage in village church the bridegroom signed his register with 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, but he can not write. He is going to learn from nc, and I would not shame him for the world.''
 f. l NS-, l. Il the affairs of lifo women are more l adroit, or show moro disccrnment or bet ter perception than men. Who has not l noticed how often mothers and nurses, by continually utte-ing vague threats, l which their little charges soon learn are l never fulfilled, lose all au authority-while ono word from paterfalnilias acts like | magic in restoring order and obedience l amongst the young rebels? It is unde- 1 n1able that concerning the love affairs of others women usually show much | moro perspicacity than men, and know how to act accordingly; yet often in their own cases tho tact evinced by them in sllillfully managing lover would seem to be lost when that lover becomes q husband. "Tact," we are told, 'soften thwarts strength" and certainly may be made wonderful instrument of conciliatiou and pacification. To bo able readily and without reconciliation to do or say i tho right thing is an enviable gift, ono that has not unfrequently brought sub stantial rewards to it's possessor. To ask 9 favor gracefully, or to compose q well-worded or delicately expressed mis- sive in matters of diplomacy, would probably tax tho mental resources of most of us.
 To many men the art of at least put ting things in a kind and compliment ary way is not uncommon-an art that was well cultivated by the courtiers of lays gono by. The painter who drew the terrible onc-eyed Tamerlane in the attitude of warrior taking aim with ais bow, and consequently having one eye closed, is an illustration in point. Nor was the Spanish nobleman who sent Queen Elizabeth looking-glass when asked by her Majesty for the DOT ir&it of the lady who possessed so ac- '"inplished a cavaliers heart whit be- ;l;Ad Raleigh himself in readiness and |2licacy of tact.
 A gentleman was heard to remark at fashionable French gathering: "At that tlmo, Marchioness, was in love-" then suddenly interrupting himself: Hut no doubt you arc astonished that any one should fall in love before know ing you!' This, we admit. was rather s:n instance Of excessive gallantry than of readiness such aaw was displayed by an othcr Frenchman in the following: An old nobloman was lately accosted by an elderly lady with white hair at a party given by a Baroness: Don't you recog- ni*e mo, Monsieur d'Aurevilly?" The man was silent. Ut is many years," she continued, ''since we met; I think in 1Sts." "Ah, madamc,'' exclaimed tho nobleman, II havo greatly changed since that time!' Could any one but a Irenchman have shaped such an an- swer?
 It must have been a countryman of his who said: If you wish to pay pretty compliment to a plain and igno- wish to be guilty of Q falsehood, tell her that she is as beautiful as she is accom- plished. She will think you are . charming man, and your conscience will Do guitless of an untruth." Such an adviser must be one of the very diplo- matists of society.
 
 forgotten in tho general anxiety of peo- plo to speak rather than to listen; they may seem to be attentive, but the ab- sent look in tue eyes betrays the re- verso. Good listeners, especially If youthful, arc thought worlds of by garrulous old people. We should not reply to recital of tho troubles of others by 8 long list of grievances of our own; nor when shown any thing in which the owner takes pride spoil tho effect by ungraciously referring to something superior in tho same line which one has seen or may possibly pos Sess. A constant endeavor to be easily pleased is essential to politeness.
 The habit of thought before speech is not easy to acquire; and ii. conclusion r?e may aGd that tact, though partly aataral gift, is g good deal indebted to al