BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 21 



concealed its presence perfectly. In conversation he was 

 reticent rather than the reverse ; talked little about himself, 

 and less about what he had done or proposed doing for the 

 public ; manifested no anxiety for the appreciative praise 

 he had so justly earned, and when it was given received it 

 with modest dignity, and seldom made any reply beyond a 

 bow and a word of thanks. In manners he was a fair 

 reproduction of 



"A fine old English gentleman, 

 One of the olden time " — 



Only, perhaps, somewhat less effusive and more dignified 

 than that traditional personage is represented to have been. 

 He was alwaj's polite to all, and for ladies especially, had 

 not merely scrupulous politeness, but that stately yet grace- 

 ful courtesy which belonged to the ancient regime. And 

 beneath it all there was a kind heart. To some one who 

 inquired why he employed so many Bohemians, he replied: 

 *' The Bohemians do not seem to be very popular with us, 

 and I think I ought to help them all I can." Walking one 

 day in the Garden with a young lad who was visiting him, 

 he met a lame workman engaged in sweeping up leaves, and 

 greeted him with a '* Good morning, Henry." A moment 

 later, noticing that the boy had said nothing: "Charles, 

 you did not speak to Henry. Go back and say ' Good 

 morning' to him." Evidently the fine cynicism of Mon- 

 taigne had never touched the heart of his admirer. 



Mr. Shaw, though he had no knowledge of music, was 

 very fond of it, and moreover, was a strong believer in its 

 elevating and refining influence upon the popular mind. 

 The Sunday afternoon concerts in the Park during the sum- 

 mer months are due to his love for and belief in music. 

 He was always present when health permitted, enjoying 

 himself in seeing others enjoy what he had provided; and 

 was especially pleased when a large audience gathered 

 around the stand which he had adorned with marble busts 

 of the great composers, to listen to their masterpieces. 



