Pardero replied in a flat voice, "I thank you for your help and for your personal kindness."

Novelist William Makepeace Thackeray called the book "a national benefit, and to every man and woman who reads it a personal kindness".

What the state can never offer, however, are befriending, time to talk and share, personal kindness and a spontaneous response to need.

But he was also capable of enormous generosity and personal kindness, and he served Harvard with great dignity.

Although the emperor lacked capability, and corruption continued to run unchecked, his personal kindness allowed the people a measurement of peace.

His personal kindnesses were legendary, and if he harbored vindictiveness it was hard to see.

"Every president, truth be told, is mostly grateful to him for that personal kindness," Mr. Clinton said.

Mr. Pataki also proved a master of cementing political ties with personal kindnesses.

Former President Bush is a man of moderate instincts and personal kindness.

Much of Sir Charles Irving's personal vote came from these areas, where many know of his extraordinary personal kindness.