| Finding the Way |
Chapter 15 |
Page 6 |
The Duchess of Kent was a richly endowed woman, and was universally beloved. Once the Princess Alice, herself simple, sweet and unspoiled, asked her: “What makes everyone love to be with you? I am always so sorry to have to leave you, and so are all the others who come here. What is the secret, grandmamma?”
It was not easy for the noble woman to answer such a personal question. But it was important that it should be answered for the sake of her who had asked it, and who was indeed hungry to know the secret. So the noble lady gave this memorable answer:
“I was early instructed that the way to make people happy was to appear interested in the things that interested them, namely their own affairs; and that this could be accomplished only by burying one’s own grief, annoyance, satisfaction, or joy completely out of sight. Forgetfulness of one’s own concerns, my dear, a smiling face, a word of sympathy or unselfish help, where it is possible to give it, will always make others happy, and the giver equally so.”
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