WOULD FOREGO CONSOLATION

New Zealand Tablet, 11 May 1911, Page 885

WOULD FOREGO CONSOLATION

Social good humor is often difficult to attain, but there arc instances in plenty when it was triumphant. At a certain dinner at which the late John Fiske was present (says the New York Times), a number of stories were told illustrating extraordinary social tact and courtesy. Mr. Fiske alluded to that celebrated incident wherein a French king, entertaining some of his court at his own table, gracefully broke a costly wineglass after a guest had been so unfortunate as to break one by dropping it. Strangely enough, Mr. Fiske had hardly finished’telling the story when a glass fell from the table between himself and his hostess, a woman famed for saying the right word

at the right, time.' Their eyes met involuntarily, and Mr. Piske’s hand went, ruefully to his offending elbow. . ‘lt was my fault, smiled the hostess. But please don’t try to console me by throwing the rest of the service against the wall,' . .