"Oh," replied Bismarck, "I have my easy escape. My wife knows people
of this class very well, and when she is sure there is a bore here
and sees them staying too long she manages to call me away on some
plausible pretext."

Scarcely had he finished speaking when the Princess Bismarck appeared
at the door. "My dear," she said to her husband, "you must come at
once and take your medicine; you should have taken it an hour ago."



_Not for Him_

A quiet and retiring citizen occupied a seat near the door of a
crowded car when a masterful stout woman entered.

Having no newspaper behind which to hide he was fixed and subjugated
by her glittering eye. He rose and offered his place to her.
Seating herself--without thanking him--she exclaimed in tones that
reached to the farthest end of the car:

"What do you want to stand up there for? Come here and sit on my
lap."

"Madam," gasped the man, as his face became scarlet. "I beg your
pardon, I--I----"

"What do you mean?" shrieked the woman. "You know very well I was
speaking to my niece there behind you."