" NEVER MIND."
[To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR."] Sre,—In the article thus headed (Spectator, July 22nd), the writer says it seems incredible that anyone should mind making the small demand upon the courtesy of a stranger of asking him the way. The explanation may be that though no one will mind asking a postman or a policeman, he will not ask a com- plete stranger for fear of being misdirected. A stranger has often gone out of his way, in the kindness of his heart, to give me a direction that I felt sure was wrong, and I could not insult him by immediately setting off in the opposite direction. I can indeed recall one case when this course was adopted, but the circumstances were exceptional. A near relative of mine, having directed a stranger who turned abruptly and proceeded on his way, hailed him and told him he had forgotten some- thing. " What do you mean? asked the stranger. " Why,
you have forgotten to say ` Thank you,' " replied my relative. " Oh 1 if you want thanks—" said the stranger, and he walked off in the direction opposite to that pointed out to him.—I am,
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