Show TOO AFFABLE A frenchman whose worst failong was waa ills excessive polite ess M hose hase a celebrated french philologist 1 had a peculiar failing lie he was to too 0 polite various amusing stories of his great affability were related by his contemporaries even among parisians Pari fama famous s for their elaborate courtesy graciousness graciousness that lacked since sincerity rity was con condemned as buta but a poor imitation of good manners at one time M rase was librarian of the imperial library marquis de fortia a wen well known man of letters returned a manuscript by a servant the man bowed and said 1 I come ul 1 J ar 1 i ijiri ali ah how is t the h a mami marquis fis inquired 31 al M hase base urbanely you are very kind sir he is well he sent me and how are you yourself you are too kind sir sir I 1 be so kind as to be seated said the librarian with the utmost politeness you are too good I 1 come from the marquis to return this manuscript the marquis has given you a great proof of his confidence in in trusting to you this precious manuscript which we lend only to the marquis just here the urbane librarian happened to look up epand aud saw a group of persons waiting to ask for books bowing to them graciously he finished his speech thus As to anyone else who does us the honor to ask for it when he was promoted to the grade of a commander of the legon legion of lionor a mischievous fourteen year y earold ear old boy went to congratulate him As he was on his bis way to the office of M laase someone bome one asked him where he was po ing tl the he boy told him and added laughing 1 I know just what he will say in reply then he recited it hases probable response persons who followed him into the office found his bis guess gness to be correct word for word what M said was my dear young friend it is not I 1 but bat you who merit this distinctions |