The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1896-10-29
CHARM OF MANNER.

A famous French author who was
greatly beloved by all people with whom
he came in cOntact-rich and poor,
learned and unlearned alike, on being
asked the secret of his power of captur-
ing the hearts of people replied: 'lt is
very simple. Every person L meet is
to me the most interesting person | have
yet met"
This wonderful power of human
sympathy is not given to all in the
measure with which the old French
writer was endowed. 1t is common,
however, to speak of this quality-call
it human sympathy, charm of manner,
personal magnetism--what you will,
they are all much akin-as it were a
gift of the gods, given only to the more
favored of the sons of men, though in
truth it is bestowed upon us all, and
like the talents of old. can and should
be increased. How often do we hear
of some noted orator or lecturer: "He
is certainly very brilliant man, fine
scholar etc., "but he has not the power
of putting himself in sympathy with
his audience" We find the same def
cheney among authors. Some books,
while we read them, make us feel that
the author is bending way down from
his pedestal trying to reach our lower
level. No matter how condescending,
nor with what grace he may do the
bending, we do not like it. Others
again, by their cold, calm tone of re-
mote superiority, cause us to feel that
they regard it as great burden to have
to speak to us at all, even for the pur-
pose of instructing us. We, too, are
apt to regret that there is not tenth
order of angels, created for their bene-
fit, into whose appreciative ears Gf
angels have ears) they may pour their
pearls of thought. Looking at the other
side of the picture, we all know men to
hear whom we would go great dis
tance. and dare the most inclement
weather. Perhaps if any one asks us
the reason for our liking, we would be
at loss how to define it. 1t is not
that his ideas are so original they say
there is nothing new under the sun.
1t is not so much what he says, as tht
way he says it. You are never con
scious of the compleXity of his manner
= only charmed with it's kindness. Yo'
:, feel responsive and at ease. You seen
= somehow to have share in his wit, il
- - his kindly sensible talk.
4 AS there are certain authors wit
whom the reader finds it difficult t
l. put himself on terms of congenialit
d so there are others, who seem to have
it stream of human kindness flowing a
is ways around their hearts. You coun
g. them among your most familiar friends
If The charm of an evening spent wit
N them will tighten much of the day
Or trouble and toll. They lead you, IL
c. deed, into pleasant places. So muc
es for charm Of manner in those who lea
IN and teach us. AS the most beautif'
le poetry is unwritten poetry, so thu
Of spirit of kindliness which we exerci'
III in our own little circle of life is tt
be- most beautiful, and at the same tin
has more direct influence on the liv
O. of others. Perhaps, some of us coul
e. among our friends, those whom '
lis really admire and respect, but to me
,s- them does not give us any particul
ist pleasure. They always seem absorb
ce in their own affairs. When they see
N; sometimes they are too much occupi
ue to do that,) they look at us absent
ch ask few psrfunctory questions, Al