Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1906-06-23
The Charm of Graciousness.


There is one charm seldom praised in
song or story, as the saying is, n charm
which, in this busy, bustling workaday
world, seems to be slowly. slowly fading
from existence. That beng the charm of
graciousness.
The word gracious is defined as mean
ing full of grace. benetcent, courteous
and agreeable: graciousness being that
state in which one exhibits these quall-
ties further named as charm or fascina-
tion. But of all these things do not coy
er the elusive quality of Il true Unborn
aud spontaneous graciousness.
For it is something which can scarcely
he acquired, though one can 10y taking
pains give a very meritor;ous imitation.
Ii is a matter which in its loyeliest mani-
feStationS comes from the heart. The
poSSesSor of it is as refreshing as cool
water TO thirsty lips. as grateful rs green
leaves in wide spaces or aridity. That
house wherein resides one sweet soul of
sincere and natural graciousness is "A
habitatiOn blessed beyond all others.
1t is small thing, yet its absence
means IA great void. There is many a
steadfast and struggling soul who can
not understand why he is not liked, not
loved. as well. perhaps. as much less
worthy mortals. 1t is because of the
fatal lack of graciousness Such Il one
when he makes a gift spoils it irrepara-
bly, by the manner of its comforting. Or
If he makes a great and wondrous self
sacrifice this also is forever married by
the grudging and bitter way in which it
is done.
Let such a one attain the heights of
real heroism. where he would lay down
his life perhaps for love of his friend.
Yet perhaps his last words, instead of
Il gentle farewell, would be an acrimo-
NOUS. an iil-tempered adjuration that it
was all wasted. that probably the thing
was entirely unappreciated, and he was
Il fool for so doing. Thus would he go
to death and leave always the bitter
memory of his sourness to obscure the
pure light of his true unselfishness.
How often do we see this acrimony
and bad temper spoil many an hour or
Il day or Il whole festivity just because
the meaning of the spirit of gracious
ness is a closed book TO the ones who
are themselves disgruntled, and wish TO
make all others equally at odds with
themselves and the world in general.
From them. be they ever so honest, true
and steadfast, worthy and hard working,
their fellowmen turn to the more light
some spirit. In their presence the wom-
an heart always remains cold. and the
children avoid them, never think of
clamhering upon their knee, or venture
to wind impetuous loving arms about
their neck. Sensitive to all this. they
suffer and know not the cause. And it
is simply and solely because they are
not gracious, that undefinable thing
| which the dictionary can scarcely spell
out for our enlightenment
For graciOuSness is sweet and lovely
| charm which claims our hayward hearts
even in spite Of themselves 1t is the
CHEEKY spirit. the never failing good hu
NOR. the quick understanding of happi-
ness. the instant sympathy with SORROW.
| 1t is to the character what sunlight is
| to the earth. the enliyening golden beam
which makes dark places bright and
| bright places exquisitely radiant. 1t II
| the quality which love does like best
for its daily food. thriving strongest and
| living longest where the sweet flower
| does bloom.
| The gracious child of sunny face and
| dancing foot is the best loved child: the
gracious man. the gracious woman the
best loved man and woman. To them
| all souls turn with instant allegiance
| For it may he small thing, but it is
| truly the honey upon the bread of char
| acter. Human nature is it to eat and
| dcSpise the necessary bread. but fairly
dOte upon the honey. So DO we ask and
| demand honor. truthfulness and dignity.
| but we love the gracious friend with a
rapture which no merely good mortal
could prossibly inspire in us. though they
| loaded us with gifts and served MS all
| the days of our life. For honey may i've
a luxury. but it is eXquisitely sweet upon
| 1.-THE tOngue--Louise Satterthwaite in
state inwhich one exhibits these qualities
! Philadelphia Evening Bulletin.