Magnificent Contempt

A good story showing how appearances are sometimes deceitful comes from Russia. At a certain famous restaurant in St. Petersburg six somewhat dandyish ofScers of the Imperial íorse Guards sat drinking chamjagne. Not far from them sat an insigniflcant little man with a shabby and an unkempt beard, and a glass of iquor in front of him. It was not long before he became aware that he was ridiouled by ;he ofücers. By and by, as they became more and more offensive in their remarles on his personal appearance, etc, he called for the waiter and said: "Bring six bottles of your best champagne!" The waiter hesitated. "Did you hear what I said?" asked the littïe man. The waiter brought the wine and six glasses. "Take these glasses away and fetch a basin - one as large as you can find," said the man. The waiter again hesitated, but obeyed instantly at the peremptory repetition of the order. "A piece of soap! was the next order, lt was brought. "A towel!" Thewaiter handed him one. ''Kow open the bottles!" The waiter did so. The little man now filled the basin with the contents of the six bottles, rolled np his sleeves, washed himself in the costly fluid, wiped his hands, laid a one hundred rouble note on the ta]jle and, casting a loóle of withering contempt on the officers, strutted out of the room.