It is an exquisitely polite, almost shy, prowl, however, with none of the insolent menace that usually accompanies it in Italy or Spain.

James, exquisitely polite to Conrad on social occasions and in his tributes to his work, was cruelly patronizing behind his back.

He was charming, exquisitely polite, and totally without scruples.

You will eat, drink, dance perhaps . . ." his tone grew doubtful for a second, "and generally be exquisitely polite to anyone the ambassador wants to, ah, impress.

He could tell by the exquisitely polite way in which Brandark had needled Yrothgar, the escort's commander, from the moment they left Durghazh.

'You have great skill,' the little Japanese said with an exquisitely polite bow.

Then there's Japan, where being exquisitely polite and saving face are said to be very important - I'm sure I'd make lots of faux pas.

In the five weeks since Perrier, a French bubbly-water company, was struck by a contamination scare, its competitors have been exquisitely polite about its travails.

About the Americans I do not know, Oleg Borisovich," he said, exquisitely polite as always, "but I will do well enough.

And here I thought I was being exquisitely polite, getting out of the way and out from under foot.