Your conduct on the street should always be modest and dignified. Loud
and boisterous conversation or laughter and all undue liveliness are
improper in public, especially in a lady.
When walking on the street do not permit yourself to be so
absent-minded as to fail to recognize your friends. Walk erect and with
dignity, and do not go along reading a book or a newspaper.
Should you stop to speak to a friend, withdraw to the side of the walk
with him, that you may not interrupt the passing of others. Should
your friend have a stranger with him, apologize to the stranger for
the interruption. You must never leave your friend with whom you are
walking to speak to another without first asking him to excuse you.
In walking with a lady on the street, give her the inner side of the
walk, unless the outside is the safer part, in which case she is
entitled to it. Your arm should not be given to any lady except your
wife or a near relative, or a very old lady, during the day, unless
her comfort or safety require it. At night the arm should always be
offered; also in ascending the steps of a public building. A gentleman
should accommodate his walk to that of a lady, or an elderly or
delicate person.
When a lady with whom a gentleman is walking wishes to enter a store,
he should open the door, permit her to pass in first, if practicable,
follow her, and close the door. He should always ring door bells or rap
at a door for her. A gentleman should never pass in front of a lady,
unless absolutely necessary, and should then apologize for so doing.
Should a lady ask information of a gentleman on the street, he must
raise his hat, bow, and give the desired information. If unable to do
so, he must bow and courteously express his regrets.
In crossing the street, a lady should gracefully raise her dress a
little above her ankle with one hand. To raise the dress with both
hands is vulgar, except in places where the mud is very deep.
A gentleman meeting a lady acquaintance on the street should not
presume to join her in her walk without first asking her permission.
It may not be agreeable to her, or convenient that her most intimate
friend should join her. She has the right, after granting such
permission, to excuse herself and leave the gentleman whenever she
may see fit; and a gentleman will never take offense at the exercise
of such a right. If it is inconvenient for a lady to accept the
gentleman’s company, she should frankly say so, mentioning some reason,
and excusing herself with friendly courtesy. Gentlemen give place to
ladies, and to gentlemen accompanying ladies, in crossing the street.
If you have anything to say to a lady whom you may happen to meet in
the street, however intimate you may be, do not stop her, but turn
round and walk in company; you can take leave at the end of the street.
Etiquette of the Street.
When you are passing in the street, and see coming toward you a person
of your acquaintance, whether a lady or an elderly person, you should
offer them the wall—that is to say, the side next the houses. If a
carriage should happen to stop in such a manner as to leave only a
narrow passage between it and the houses, beware of elbowing and rudely
crowding the passengers, with a view to get by more expeditiously. Wait
your turn, and, if any of the persons before mentioned come up, you
should edge up to the wall, in order to give them the place. They also,
as they pass, should bow politely to you.
When two gentlemen accompany a lady in a walk, she should place herself
between them, and not unduly favor either. A gentleman meeting a lady
friend accompanied by another gentleman should not join her unless
satisfied that his presence is agreeable to both parties.
A lady should not venture out upon the street alone after dark. By so
doing she compromises her dignity, and exposes herself to indignity at
the hands of the rougher class. When a lady passes the evening with a
friend, she should make arrangements beforehand for some one to come
for her at a stated hour. If this cannot be done, or if the escort
fails to come, she should courteously ask the host to permit a servant
to accompany her home. A married lady may, if circumstances render it
necessary, return home alone. An unmarried lady should never do so.
Should your host offer to accompany you himself, decline his offer,
politely stating that you do not wish to give him so much trouble; but
should he insist upon it, accept his escort. In the case of a married
lady, the husband should always come for her. He is an ill-bred fellow
who refuses to render his wife such attention. A lady, upon arriving
at her home, should always dismiss her escort with thanks. A gentleman
should not enter the house, although invited by the lady to do so,
unless for some especial reason.
Evading a Long Talk.
Never offer to shake hands with a lady in the street if you have on
dark gloves as you may soil her white ones.
If, when on your way to fulfil an engagement, a friend stops you in the
street, you may, without committing any breach of etiquette, tell him
of your appointment, and release yourself from a long talk; but do so
in a courteous manner, expressing regret for the necessity.
A lady does not form acquaintances upon the street, or seek to attract
the attention of the other sex, or of persons of her own sex. Her
conduct is always modest and unassuming. Neither does a lady demand
services or favors from gentlemen. She accepts them graciously, always
expressing her thanks.
A gentleman will not stand on the street corners, or in hotel doorways,
or club windows, and gaze impertinently at ladies as they pass by. This
is the exclusive business of loafers, upon which well-bred men will not
trespass.
Do not shout to your acquaintances from the opposite side of the
street. Bow, or wave your hand, or make any courteous motion; but do
it quietly and with dignity. If you wish to speak to them, cross the
street, signalling to them your desire.
A lady walking with two gentlemen should not take an arm of each;
neither should a gentleman walk with a lady on each arm, unless at
night, in coming from a place of amusement or passing through a crowd.
In walking with a lady who has your arm, should you have to cross the
street, do not disengage your arm and go around upon the outside unless
the lady’s comfort renders it necessary.
In walking with a lady, where it is necessary for you to proceed
singly, always go before her.