A QUEEN OF TACT

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 11, 14 March 1907, Page 38

A QUEEN OF TACT

The Dowager-Queen of Italy; who belongs to a house trained to kingcraft for more than a> thousand years, is said to be wonderfully skilful in- dealing with the difficulties appertaining to her high station. An incident wjhich occurred at one of her Drawing-Rooms illustrates her tact, readiness, and delicacy. The persons who are to be presented at the Roman Court are arranged in a large semicircle in the thronerroom. The Queen enters and passes around the line, attended by a chamberlain, who names each person, adding usually a word or two to give the Queen some idea of their claim to notice. She asks a question or makes a- remark to each, and passes on. On this occasion there was in .the line. a young .man from South America, whose embarrassment showed itself in pale cheeks and terrified glances as the Queen drew - neajrer. iAt last she reached' him 'amd stopped. He heard his name, saw her smile. There was a roaring in his ears ; his knees shook. When she asked him the name of his native town he gasped in confusion that he did not know. The whole circle smiled; but the Queen's face was as calm as 'marble. ' You mean that our beautiful Italy already has made you forget your frame'? Ah, signor, you are a stolful courtier ! You flatter us too much ! ' and playfully shaking her fan at him she passed on, leaving him wondering how he came to make so brilliant a respose, while the crowd looked at him' respectfully, bewildered also.