Life — February 14, 1907 — page 10: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Conversation HE art of con- versation has {J been much written about, but it cannot be said that any advance has been made. People still go on talking, with- out regard to set rules. Those essary tants to conversa- nec- concomi- tact and va- not regarded in the light’ of any set method, but are made use of incidentally. What we need to-day is a certain fear- of attitude, a frankness and tion riety—are candor that, if properly used, will go far toward making the art of conversation Our social life is in danger of becoming anemic for want of the real spirit of truth. Let us institute a reform, and conduct our conversations with due regard to the strenuous life. With a leader of the Smart Set: “How do J “How do you do?” “You are looking finely to-day; but ht? And you have what it should be. nu do, Mrs. Goldbonds? aren't you overw rings under your eyes.” Indeed! I was not aware of it.” “Yes, they are quite plain; you have been giving some of those deadly dull dinners, I know.” “Now don’t dissemble By the way, how much money are you I know you really worth?” “What is that to you?” “Nothing, nothing. Some one asked me, that’s all to know if your bank counterbalance your innate vulgarity I had an idle curiosity account really did “You are rude, sir.” », Mrs. Goldbonds, I ant—and truthful. Good-by. I seck some one more interesting With a young girl: “How pretty you are! I wish you knew more.” am unpleas- must “That isn't nice of you, sir.” “T know it. But Iam not here to be nice. It is too bad about you.” “What is too bad?” “Why, when you get to be forty and *LIPE- have had some experience—when I would really enjoy sitting in a quiet cor- ner with you and chatting, then you will be faded out and not worth looking at.” “You are dreadful!” “Am 1? Sorry, but I must tell the truth. My dear little girl, if you onl; knew something now it would b& worth while, but, really, you bore me.” “Thate you, sir! “That means nothing. I wouldn't mind being hated by a woman ten years older, if she had half your good looks. By-by!” With a clergyman: “Good afternoon, doctor. After your sermon, you look remarkably fit.” “Why shouldn’t [?”” “True. You had but to deliver it. Others had to listen.” “Wasn't it a good sermon?” “No. Several told you it was, but they lied. I will be more truthful. It was very dull.” “Thank you!” “Don't mention it. It ought to do vou good occasionally to hear the truth. Your opportunities in that respect are so slight.” a She: 1 wist 1 MAD A GRACEFUL, PRETTY OUTLINE “You insult me, sir.” “That would be impossible. I really admire you in many respects. Your op- portunities for being genuine are so few, and you do the best you can, I know. Good-day, sir!” With a Senator: “Ah, my disrespected Senator, you look underweight. Have you been neglecting yourself? Remember, sir, the country looks to you to upset some of its cherished notions and’””—— “Tn what way?” “Why, at any moment, you may be engaged in some disgraceful financial transaction ; you should keep yourself in good trim.” “You are sarcastic.” “Good! [I am. I acknowledge it. ‘The fact is, Senator, I don’t particularly like you. I don’t care for your line of graft""— “You insult me, sir.” “Splendid! I meant to. do you good! Hope it will Chesterton Todd He: Tor ven WELL, LET'S SEE WHAT WE CAN DO comicbooks.com