The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-02-18
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Reflections.

One Of the hardest problems the aver
age nineteenth century social lion has 10
solve is how to keep up with the pro-
cession." and at the same time refrain
from abusing his conscience.
Beaconsdeld spoke Of a certain Lord as
zone who entertained such q sacred re-
gard for truth that he would not use it
too freely" Yes, it's an intricate puzzle
TO most society men 70 maintain their
popularity in the social wtirl and not
tell bare-face lies. \ well known society
man. who figures conspicously m most
of the swell events of Richmond, seems
go have solved the problem. al least IN
! appearance. II not in reality. Most OF
my leaders can guess his name, II they
put Oh their thinklng-cap for little
while. This swell young man was re-
Gently present at one of those o'clock
teas which oliver Wendall Holmes sums
ND with "giggle. gable. gobble and git"
1 was also present. having dropped I'm ut
a cafe en route for something 10 eat.
After most OF the guests had departed
half a dozen Of us remained by special
reguest. During the evening young lady
was asked 10 sing She accepted this
Invitation. having, 10 my personal knowl-
edoe been seriously alarmed for half an
bonr lest it should not be given. She
dfdn,t have much voice: but she thought
she did. so two minutes later these words
were floating through the room: Il would
/ Were a Bird.
so do H. said the young man in a
smothered tone: Il should have flown
away from here long ago.
the song was concluded. Several OF
the guests were going into ecstasies over
nj tffl La
singer compliments as gaudy as the
United states flag.
who Is your Instructor" asked the
swell Young man. with a smile.
"Oh. I've never trained my voice at
all; | picked it up by myself" replied
the vocalist
what a shame" continued the social
hero. You certainly ought to have Gull
tiyated such a voice as that; why. I'm
surprised"
The soIoist thanked him heartily. and
showed every indication OF feeling high
~ fattered.
Half an hour later | chided the young
man with having for once departed from
his rule in telling a falsehood.s
What do you mean he asked.
..Why. you told that young lady she
had a magnificent natural vocal talent"
said /.
on re lHi1tdh'i-s
Didn't you tell her It was shame
not 10 cultivate such a voice.
why. yes; any woman with voice
like that ought 20 have enough consid-
Grafton for humanity to have II culuvat-
cd i" he replied, with an arch OF his brows.
Privileged characters, indeed. are our
dear old vets" OF the Soldiers Home.
Wherever they go they get the best there
Is TO be had. and IL is not often they are
allowed to pay for anything. They don't
have much money. for pocket change.
and it is the knowledge OF this fact. ana
the kindly remembrance OF their bard
DAYS, nearly thirty years ago. when
seems 10 hold back most OF those with
whom they come i'm contact from ac-
cepting the price OF a pipe, plug OF
tobacco, or other such small comforts.
Going home recently on one OF the Clay
Street cars, noticed two or three vets
get aboard at Broad and Seventh streets.
They went inside the car and took their
seats. When the conductor asked for
their fares they at first merely looked at
him, and when he insisted. the vets"
told him very plainly they had no money