In the course of the conversation which ensued Mr. Baylies said to Mr. Tillinghast:
"I have deposited a ten-cent piece in the contribution-box, to be placed on interest until I reach heaven."
Mr. Tillinghast replied:
"Ah, yes! That will amount to a very large sum before you will be admitted there."
Tact of Disraeli.
When it was more expedient to evade a question than to give a definite answer, Disraeli could do so with consummate tact. A story illustrative of this is told in the "Memoirs of Mary Duchess of Teck."
The great statesman was very fond of the princess, and admired her grasp of political problems; but he never allowed himself to be charmed into telling cabinet secrets.
One evening at dinner, during a crisis in foreign affairs, Princess Mary, who was puzzled at the inaction of the government, turned to him and said:
"What are we waiting for, Mr. Disraeli?"
The prime minister paused for a moment to take up the menu, and, looking at the princess, gravely replied: