But I would remark to these compatriots, who, I must say, are not numerous, that there are two kinds of patriotism, blind patriotism and intelligent patriotism: that which will learn nothing from, nor praise anything in, others, and that which seeks edification and enlightenment, and knows how to recognise qualities of which no nation is wholly destitute. It is to the latter patriotism that my remarks are addressed. XII. Mrs. John Bull at Home, on the .... R.S.V.P.--An Intelligent Landlord--Meaning of the word "Concert"--The Conversazione--The Royal Academy. When you hear the postman's loud rat-tat at your door, do not rush with joy to your letter-box, for instead of a reply which you have been impatiently awaiting, you may find a little snare, conceived in the following terms: +-----------------------------------------------+ | | | _Mrs. John Bull | | requests the pleasure | | of Mr. X's. company._ | | | | _Music at 9 o'clock._ | | _R.S.V.P._ | | | +-----------------------------------------------+ R.S.V.P.! The hint is good, act upon it: _Résistez Si Vous Pouvez._ Use a little diplomacy, of course: "Mr. X. presents his compliments to Mrs. John Bull, and regrets exceedingly that an engagement already made by Mrs. X. will prevent him from availing himself of her kind invitation for the ....." That's it. Do not forget to name Mrs. X., and to make her responsible for your deep disappointment; by so doing, you will allow Mrs. John Bull to suppose that if you had made the engagement yourself, you would have done everything in your power to get out of it, in order to be able to go to her _soirée musicale_.