So; on entering the dining-room of their club, each shy man looks out for an unoccupied table, until sometimes--all the tables in the room are occupied by single diners.

All this apparent unsociableness is merely shyness--the national characteristic of the Englishman.
"The disciples of Confucius," observes Mr.Arthur Helps, "say that when in the presence of the prince, his manner displayed RESPECTFUL UNEASINESS.

There could hardly be given any two words which more fitly describe the manner of most Englishmen when in society." Perhaps it is due to this feeling that Sir Henry Taylor, in his 'Statesman,' recommends that, in the management of interviews, the minister should be as "near to the door" as possible; and, instead of bowing his visitor out, that he should take refuge, at the end of an interview, in the adjoining room.

"Timid and embarrassed men," he says, "will sit as if they were rooted to the spot, when they are conscious that they have to traverse the length of a room in their retreat.

In every case, an interview will find a more easy and pleasing termination WHEN THE DOOR IS AT HAND as the last words are spoken." [185] The late Prince Albert, one of the gentlest and most amiable, was also one of the most retiring of men.