New-York tribune., 1906-10-21

are disposed to be impatient with bores and
to betray their ennuf, species of maIady to
which royal personages are particularly prone,
yet they usually manifest the utmost considera-
ton in avoiding everything that could go to
show the sense OF WEAKNESS inspired by the re-
marks Of the person with whom they happen
to be in conversation. The late Grand Duke
Constantine Nicolaivitch of Russia used to
have g. most amusing and, withal courteous
way Of relieving himself of such tediun. When
began to bore him by prosiness he would
give to his rnonocle, which hung over his neck
by an almost invisible elastic cord, inlper-
ceptible twitch, with the result that It would
a If propelled by some unseen force, fly up to
his eye, where II remained fixed, without any
apparent effort action on his part. He would
then gaze fxedly through the eyeglass at the
unfortunate speaker. Just as if nothing had
happened The effect Of this little manoeuvre
was generally completely to disconcert his in
terlocutor, whose utterances were cut short
only by the manner in which the monocle
appeared to fly up into the grand dukes eye
but also by the fact that his imperial hfghness
seemed totally unmoved thereby.
Punctuality has often been described as the
polteness of kings. a saying which dates from
the old days of the Court of Versailles. where
Louis XIV in spite OF his perfectly extrava-
giant ideas as TO the character of his superior
ity above the remainder of mankind. and his in
tense selflshness, made it q rule always to be
on time to the very minute. He required. how
ever similar exactftude on the part Of others.
and everybody recalls the crushing Eebuke
which he addressed to a deputation which. In
stead Of arriving in advance Of the appointed
hour. had arrived as the clock struck, Mes
sieurs," he exclaimed. "J'at failli attendre
c'Gentlemen I almost had to waltz
IH,,o yl1n ives I'm
as the most frivolous Of all English monarchs.
as the sovereign who cared for nothing save
the satisfaction Of his pleasures. possessed in
high degree this particular form of courtesy Of
kings which after al. Is a token Of considera-
tfon for the convenience of others. For when
his ministers and courtiers were gathered ABOUT
his deathbed, and the sands in the hourglass
of life were running out somewhat slowly
toward the last few grains. he asked for the
pardon OF his friends in attendance for keeping
them so long and for being such an uncon-
soionable time in dying
Anotber phase Of royal polteness is that Of
oclnovvledging every letter, no matter by whom
CENT This is a standing rule. And. while the
,,,s+ars NAV not always be gratified by the sat-
.o,oo,,or of the wish which has prompted them
70 address the illustrious parsonage in ques-
.,o, ,,e+ they are at least accorded the cour-
+esv of a response. stating that their letter has
been received and has had due consideration.
Then too royal personages are particularly
courteous in refraining from any manifestation
of their sense Of ridicule. no matter how great
the tax upon their gravity. prompted In the mat
,.r of course by their regard for the feelings of
,,os. furnishing the provocation for laughter. In
tb,s connection always recall tho severe trial
20 which King George Of Greece who had keen
ssn.. Of huruor, was subjected on ths occasion
- or. of h,, v1sts 70 De Elyses fAsAGs ~ EsG1A