NOT BUTTER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 17, 23 April 1892, Page 436

NOT BUTTER.

A bright woman, who makes it a point to find out in what subject the person to whom she is introduced is interested, and to lead the conversation speedily to it, had an amusing experience, which she relates with great glee. A dinner was given by an intimate friend, and she whispered hurriedly to her hostess, who had introduced to her a preternaturally grave man who was to take her in to dinner, • What does he like to talk about best ?’ ‘ Butter !’ said the hostess’s lips, with a meaning smile.

It seemed a strange subject, but the tactful guest brought the conversation around to it, and as she afterward said, ‘ talked as if to know good butter when one saw and tasted it was one of the most important things in the world !’ Her companion did not seem inteiested, and the conversation first dragged and then came to a stop. Another effort, and then the lady gave up the task, and devoted herself to her neighbour on the otlrer side. The ‘ butter ’ man was obliged to leave, pleading another engagement, the moment dinner was over, much to the evident regret of his hostess. ‘ It’s too bad he could not stay longer, and talk to us,’ lamented the hostess to her friend. ‘ He’s such a charming man. I knew you’d be just the one to get him in a good mood for talking, and then I thought we could all reap the benefit. ’

• Charming ! That man I’ repeated the guest. ‘ Why he scarcely opened his mouth, though I racked my brains to make the “ butter” question attractive.’ ‘ Butter !’ ejaculated her hostess, in dismay. ‘ I said “ Buddha !” 1 supposed of course you knew be was a high authority on the subject ! W'bat must he have thought ?’ ‘ I fancy,’ replied her friend, drily, ‘ that he thought he had hold of an advance agent for some agricultural show.’