GLAD TO SEE HIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XXIV, 14 December 1895, Page 748

GLAD TO SEE HIM.

An American politician, commenting on the fact that in America a man is always expected to get up and say something on a public occasion, adds : * But the silent men win.’ This is not always the case, but it is a fact that many a man of worth and mettle hates to be * evermore talking.’ It is said that Von Moltke was * silent in seven languages.’ Before the opening of a striking campaign he was walking the streets with head depressed when some busybody approached him, determined to extort from him a word in regard to current events. * How are matters coming on, general ?’ he asked. ‘ Well,’ said the general, * my cabbages are coming on very well, but my potatoes want rain.’ It is a popular mistake that famous men like no topic of conversation so well as that of their own renown. Not long ago a celebrated novelist was the guest of honour at a brilliant reception. He had heard the praises of his own work until anyone but a conceited man would have been faint and weary, but he had borne up bravely through it all. Finally a timid man was presented to him, who said with an apologetic air : ‘l’m ashamed to confess it, but I haven’t read one of your books.’ The novelist bent forward, a look of relief and joy irradiating his face. He placed both hands on the newcomer’s shoulders. • My dear fellow,’ he said, with a warmth he had not shown before, even to those of high degree. ‘I am glad to see you !’