The St. Johns herald., 1890-08-07
PEOPLE OF TACT.
To Most Women This Valuable
 Possession Is TnboTn.
Anecdotes of Men and Women Who in
 =. Trying Situations Have Exercised Tact. Much to the Peace of : Mind of All Coacerued.

have natural talent that way. When a careless taiker, who was criticising a young lady's father severely, paused a moment to say; ''I hope he is TO reia- tion of yours, Miss B--?' quick as thought she replied, with the utmost nonchalance: "Only Q connection of mothers by marriage"
 Few could hope to show such clever readiness of speech in a dilemma of the kind, says Chambers Journal. Yet in more curious and amusing way this was almost matched by cautious old woman, vho, when asked what she thought ol one of her neishbors of the name of Jones, with knowing look re- piled: sWhy, don't like to say any thing about my neigLbors; but as to Mr. Jones, sometimes 1 think, and then again I don't know; but, after all, rather guess he'll turn out to be good dcal such sort of man e l take him to be-"
 In little episode of village life we had lately another interesting instance of feminine tact. Upon the conclusion of a marriage in Q 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 tho 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 me, and I would not shame him for the world"
 But it is not always so apparent that in the affairs of life women are more adroit, or show more discernment or bet ter perception than IL n. 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-W one word from paterfamilias acts like magic in restoring order and obedience amongst the young rebels? It is unde- niable that concerning the love affairs of others women usually show much more perspicacity than men, and know how to act accordingly; yet often in their own cases the tact evinced by them in skillfully managing a lover would seem to be lost when that lover becomes husband.
 ''Tact, "we are told, "often thwarts strength" and certai nly may be made wonderful instrument of conciliation and pacifcation. To be able readily and without reconciliation to do or say the right thing is an enviable gift, one that has not unfrequently brought sub stantial rewards to it's possessor. To ask favor gracefully, or to compose well-worded or delicately expressed mis- sive in matters of diplomacy, would probably tax the mental resources of most of us.
 To many men the art of at least put ting things In a kind and compliments ary way is not uncommon-an art that was well cultivated by the courtiers of days gone by. The painter who drew the terrible one-eyed Tamerlane in tho attitude of a warrior taking aim with his bow, and consequently having one eye closed, is an illustration in point Nor was the Spanish nobleman who sent Queen Elizabeth lool1ing-glass when asked by her Majesty for the DOT trait of the lady who possessed so ac- complished cavaliers heart whit be- hind Raleigh himself in readiness and delieaey of tact
 A gentleman was heard to remark at Q fashionable French gathering: At that tune, Marchioness, l was in love;' then suddenly interrupting himself: "But no doubt you are astonished that any one should fall in love before know ing your' This, we admit, was rather an instance cf excessive gallantry than of readiness such as was displayed by an other FrenchnaI in the following: An old nobleman was lately accosted by an elderly lady with white hair at party given by Baroness: Don't you recog- nize me, Monsieur d'Aurevilly?" The man was silent. 'It is many years," she continued, ''since we met; think in 1S4s," "Ah, madame exclaimed the nobleman, ''I have great 7 changed since that timer' Could any Cre but a Frenchman have shaped such an an swer?
 It must have been coUntryman of his who said: If you wish to pay pretty compliment to plain and igno- rant woman, and at the same time do not wish to be guilty of falsehood, tell her that she is as beautiful as she is accom- plished. She will think you are charming man, and your conscience will be Guitless of an untruth." Such an adviser must be one of the very diplo- matists of society.
 In conversation, true courtesy is often forgotten in the general anxiety of peo- pie to speak rather than to listen: they may seem to be attentive, but the ab- sent look in the eyes betrays the re- verse. Good listeners, especially if youthful, are thought worlds of by garrulous old people. We should not reply to 8 recital Of the troubles of others by long list of grievances of our own; nor when shown any thing in which the owner takes pride spoil the effect by ungraciously referring to something superior in tho same line which one has seen or may possibly pos A Io, |