A DESIRABLE SIN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6308, 4 August 1888, Page 3

A DESIRABLE SIN.

A group of gentlemen at the Carlton were pleasantly discussing the failings of a well-known minor politician, who was lately gathered to his fathers; one of them, who, during the deceased's lifetime, had apparently been his intimate friend, particularly distinguishing himself by the searching nature of his criticisms on the less pleasing qualities of the departed, ■lust as he was concluding his remarks Mr Disraeli joined the group, and was at once deferentially asked by the post-mortem depreciator whether he (Mr Disraeli) did not take the speaker's rather unpleasing . view of the defunct politician. " But, objected Mr Disraeli, " I always understood that you were a great ally of the gentleman we have lost." "Oh, dear me, no," said the depreciator —"only an acquaintance, I assure yoa." " Ah," said the Prime Minister, smiling, " I had alwaya thought the contrary. But, though I did not observe all the failings in the late Mr — — which you have just kindly enumerated, yet I agree with you so far aB to acknowledge that I constantly found him guilty of one particular sin." "Indeed," said the depreciator, delighted—and which was that, may I ask." '* A sin, sir," replied Mr Disraeli, " of which nobody can ever accuse you, sin — cerity." ___________________________