Immanuel Kant and His Hostess
The great philosopher was extremely careful about his dress. One day, having donned a new suit, he went for a walk, and in passing a house a careless servant threw some dish-water on him. He expressed his anger in a very lively fashion and went at once into the house from which the girl had come. The daughter of the house received him with many excuses, assuring him that all damage might be avoided if he would permit her to wash the spots off at once. Kant kept on scolding until the young woman had removed all traces of the mishap. She, who knew him very well, asked his name just for mischief, and when he had told her she said: “I am delighted, to have had this occasion to meet you.”
“I too am pleased to have made your acquaintance,” replied Kant, “but not with the occasion that brought it about.”
“Oh, but it is just the occasion that pleases me so much,” said the young woman, “for if anybody accuses me of vanity after this, because I am very particular about my clothes, I shall tell them that I am following the example of the great Kant.”