Tact
The senator from Utah was able to disarm by flattery the resentment of a
woman at a reception in Washington, who upbraided him for that plurality
of wives so dear to Mormon precept and practice.
"Alas, madam," the senator declared with a touch of sadness in his
voice, "we are compelled in Utah to marry a number of wives."
His fair antagonist was frankly surprised.
"What do you mean?" she demanded.
The senator explained suavely:
"We have to seek there in several women the splendid qualities that here
are to be found in one."
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Sportsmanship
In the party out after reed birds was a tyro at the sport. When at last he saw one of the birds walking about, he plumped down on his stomach, and took aim. A companion called to him sharply: "You're not going to shoot the bird while it's walking?... Spring
The teacher talked on the four seasons, telling how in the spring the new life comes to the earth, with the growth of grasses and leaves and flowers, how this life matures in summer, and so on, and so on. Then she called on the class to repeat the i... Stammering
On the occasion of a most interesting family event, Mr. Peedle, who desired a son, paced the drawing-room in extreme agitation, until at last the doctor appeared in the doorway. "Oh, oh, tell me," he gasped, "what is it--a boy or a girl?" "Tr-t... Style
Two old friends met, and immediately found that they were equally devoted to motoring. After a discussion of their various cars, one bethought himself to ask concerning the other's wife, whom he had never seen. That lady was described by her husband... Such A Waste
_Mrs. Bizzy:_ "I am so sorry to hear that your wife has been throwing the crockery at you again, Casey. Where did she hit you?" _Casey:_ "Faith, Ma'am! That's what Oi do be afther complainin' av. 'Twas a whole set av dishes broke to pieces an' she... Sucked!
It was a very wet night, so Bill and his sweetheart decided to visit the picture palace. On the way she evidently was annoyed with her lover, for she turned to him, and said, angrily, "Aw wish tha would gie up sucking thi teeth; it's so rude when... Sunday School
The young lady worker for the Sunday school called on the newly wedded pair. "I am endeavoring to secure new scholars," she explained. "Won't you send your children?" When she was informed that there were no children in the family as yet, she ... Superman
It is told of Mrs. Gladstone that a number of ladies in her drawing-room once became engaged in earnest discussion of a difficult problem. It chanced that at the time the great prime minister was in his study upstairs. As the argument in the drawing... Superstition
The superstitious sporting editor of the paper condemned the "Horse Fair" by Rosa Bonheur. "Just look at those white horses!" he exclaimed disgustedly. "And not a red-headed girl in sight." ... Sure Signs
"Afraid you're going to have insomnia? What are the symptoms?" "Twins." * * * ... Suspense
The passionate lover wrote to his inamorata as follows: "Adored of my soul:--If you love me, wear a red rose in your corsage to-night at the opera. If my devotion to you is hopeless, wear a white rose." She wore a yellow rose. ... Suspicion
The eminent politicians of opposing parties met on a train, and during their chat discovered that they agreed concerning primaries. "It is the first time," said one, "that we have ever agreed on a matter of public policy." "That is so," the oth... Suspicious
It was while on manoeuvres in rural England, and a soldier was being tried for the shooting of a chicken on prohibited ground. "Look here, my man," said the commanding officer to the farmer who brought the accusation, "are you quite certain that t... Sympathy
A tramp devised a new scheme for working on the sympathy of the housewife. After ringing the front door bell, he got on his knees, and began nibbling at the grass of the lawn. Presently the woman opened the door, and, in surprise at sight of him on ... Sympathy
_Freddie_ (_aged six_): "Mother, you know that lovely purse you gave me for my birfday?" _His Mother:_ "Yes, dear! What of it?" _Freddie:_ "It makes me feel orful to think of it just lyin' in the drawer 'ithout a cent in its stummick." ... Sympathy
_The Tabby-Cat:_ "I am just heart-broken! I had six of the loveliest kittens, and they went and gave one away!" _The Parrot:_ "Wasn't it too bad of them--to go and break the set?" * * * ... Tact
The senator from Utah was able to disarm by flattery the resentment of a woman at a reception in Washington, who upbraided him for that plurality of wives so dear to Mormon precept and practice. "Alas, madam," the senator declared with a touch of ... Talking Machine
Many a man who has suffered from tongue-lashings at home will be moved to profound sympathy for the victim described as follows in a local news item of a country paper: "Alice Jardine, a married woman, was charged with unlawfully wounding her hus... Talking Sense
"Darling," he asked, as he drew his fiancée closer to him, "am I the first man you have ever kissed?" "William," replied the American girl, somewhat testily, "before we go any further I would like to ask you a few questions. You are, no doubt, f... Tar And Feathers
The victim of the Klu Klux Klan plucked some feathers from his neck with one hand, while he picked gingerly at the tar on his legs with the other. "The excitement," he murmured, "rose to a terrible pitch, but it soon came down." ... Taste
A noted humorist once spent a few weeks with a tribe of western Indians. On his return, he was asked concerning his experiences. One question was: "Did you ever taste any dog-feast stew?" "Yes," was the melancholy reply. "I tasted it twice--onc... Teaching The Young Idea
Little Willie looked up from the paper he had been reading, and inquired of his father: * * * "Dad, who was Mozart?" "Good gracious, boy! You don't know that!" indignantly returned his parent. "Go and ... Tears
The kind lady stopped to tell the sobbing little girl not to cry, and she offered as a convincing argument: "You know it makes little girls homely." The child stared belligerently at the benevolent lady, and then remarked: "You must have cri... Tender Memories
"Please tell me, James," directed the young lady teacher, "where shingles were first used?" "I could, ma'am," little Jimmie replied in great embarrassment, "but I'd rather not." ... Terminology
When the bishop was entertained at an English country house, the butler coached carefully the new boy who was to carry up the jug of hot water for shaving in the morning. "When you knock," the butler explained, "and he asks, 'Who's there?' then y... Testimony
Paul Smith, the famous hotel-keeper in the Adirondacks, told of a law suit that he had with a man named Jones in Malone. "It was this way: I sat in the courtroom before the case opened with my witnesses around me. Then Jones bustled in. He stopped... The Alleged Humorists
"I can read my husband like a book." "Then be careful to stick to your own library, my dear." * * * "I took that pretty girl from the store home the other night, and stole a kiss." "What did she say?... The Brute!
_Mrs. Newlywed:_ "What does that inscription mean on that ring you gave me, Archie?" _Mr. Newlywed:_ "'Faithful to the last,' my dear!" _Mrs. Newlywed:_ "Oh! how could you? You always said I was the first." * ... The Consumer Inflamed
"Ever get any nice butter?" queried old Grumpy. "Supply in every day," replied his provision merchant suavely. "Then why in thunder don't you sell it?" asked Grumpy. * * * ... The Difference
_She:_ "I'm so glad we're engaged." _He:_ "But you knew all the time that I loved you, didn't you?" _She:_ "Yes, dear, I knew it, but you didn't." * * * ... The Druggist's Turn
The druggist danced and chortled till the bottles danced on the shelves. "What's up?" asked the soda clerk. "Have you been taking something?" "No. But do you remember when our water pipes were frozen last winter?" "Yes, but what--" "Well, t... The Floor Held
"Did your watch stop when it dropped on the floor?" asked one man of his friend. "Sure," was the answer. "Did you think it would go through?" * * * ...