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Show NO APOLOGIES. Apologies for poor dinners are generally out of place. But when a lady has a forgetful husband, who, without warning, brings home a dozen guests to a plain family dinner for three or four, it is not human nature to keep absolute silence. Mrs. Tucker, the wife of Judge Tucker, of Williamsburg solved this problem years ago. She was the daughter or niece (I am uncertain which) of Sir Peyton Skipwith, and celebrated for her beauty, wit, ease and grace of manner. Her temper and tact were put to the proof one court day when the Judge brought with him the accustomed half-score or more of lawyers, for whom not the slightest preparation had been made, the Judge having quite forgotten to remind his wife that it was court day, and she herself, strange to tell, having overlooked the fact. The dinner was served with elegance, and Mrs. T. made herself very charming. Upon rising to leave the guests to their wine, she said: "Gentlemen, you have dined today with Judge Tucker, promise me that you will all dine tomorrow with me." This was her apology, whereupon the gentlemen swore that such a wife was beyond price. The Judge then explained the situation, and the next day there was a noble banquet. Moral: never worry a guest with apologies - Lippincott's Magazine. |