68. "The scholar, without good breeding, is a pedant; the
philosopher, a cynic; the soldier, a brute; and every man
disagreeable," says Chesterfield.
69. It is a breach of etiquette to betray an implied or
involuntary confidence, even if you have not been bound to
secresy.
70. Bishop Beveridge says: "Never speak of a man's virtues before
his face, nor of his faults behind his back."
71. "In private, watch your thoughts; in your family, watch your
temper; in society, watch your tongue."
72. "To arrive at the heart of true courtesy," says a modern
writer, "separate the onld English titles for the well-bred; they
were the _gentle_-man and _gentle_-woman."
73. It is better to live alone than in low company. If you cannot
keep good company, keep none.
74. Sterne thus defines courtship: "True courtship consists in a
number of quiet, gentlemanly attentions; not so pointed as to
alarm, not so vague as to be misunderstood."
75. It is a breach of etiquette to enter a room noisily, slamming
the door, or stamping heavily upon the floor.
76. It is a breach of etiquette to make violent or abrupt
movements.
77. It is a breach of etiquette to neglect calling upon your
friends. "Visiting," says a French writer, "forms the chord which
binds society together, and it is so firmly tied that were the
knot severed, society would perish."
78. It is a breach of etiquette to select the route when walking
with a lady, unless she has requested you to do so.
79. It is ill-bred to refuse the last piece on the plate or dish,
if it is offered to you, as it implies a fear that there is no
more in the pantry.
80. It is a breach of etiquette to undertake any commission for a
friend and neglect to perform it. Forgetfulness is no excuse.
81. It is a breach of etiquette to answer a serious remark by a
flippant one.
82. Practical joking is a breach of etiquette that cannot be too
severely censured.
83. It is a breach of etiquette to read when there is any other
person present. In the family circle, a member who opens a book
should apologize for and explain his apparent rudeness, if obliged
to study or refer to the volume.