“And as for obsequiousness and servility, I am afraid those are epithets too often unjustly applied to those gentlemen whose courteous demeanour wins them the respect of their superiors.”
“Quite so,” said I; “and I don’t see that it matters what is the distinguishing epithet you apply to them: this courteous demeanour or obsequiousness is no doubt the very best gift Nature can bestow upon an individual as an outfit for the voyage of life.”
“Dear me, you were complaining but just now of its placing men in positions for which they were not qualified.”
“Not complaining, my love; only remarking. I go in for obsequiousness, and trust I shall never be found
wanting in that courteous demeanour towards my superiors which shall lead to my future profit.”
“But would you have men only courteous?”
“By no means, I would have them talented also.”
“But in what proportion would you have the one to the other?”
“I would have the same proportion maintained that exists between the rudder and the ship: you want just enough tact to steer your obsequiousness.”
Here again I dozed.