you have gloves on that you are safe in neglecting your hands. You may be
suddenly called upon to perform some act which would necessitate taking
off the gloves, thus exposing soiled hands. The nails should be kept
perfectly clean and projecting about one-twelfth of an inch from the
tender flesh and not too pointed, and are to be only slightly polished.
All hang-nails should be cut off, and advanced flesh pushed back from the
root of the nails. Do not wear too many rings. A gentleman should never
have on more than two, and those to be placed one on each hand. Always
place them on the fingers next the little ones. Large diamonds should not
be worn; one carat is the usual weight. Also, do not wear broad bands
of gold, they are very common-looking on a gentleman; a seal-ring or
intaglio is quite sufficient. Never wear bracelets, it is exceedingly
effeminate. And, above all, do not wear ladies’ rings.
2. The face, if without a growing beard or moustache, should be kept
clean. This can best be done by a light shave. Do not shave too close; to
be sure it appears more free of hair for the time being, but then, as the
hair grows out, eruptions cover the face, especially the neck; thus for a
few hours’ clean appearance you undergo several days’ discomfort.
3. The teeth should be kept clean, white, and polished. It is necessary
that they be kept clean, as odors from them sometimes give the impression
of a disordered stomach, and makes conversation at close quarters
exceedingly disagreeable.
4. The hair should be carefully brushed, with a neat part, the sides at
the front being slightly raised and pushed back. The hair can be parted
on either the left, right, or center of the head, but it should never be
flattened and plastered down, as the appearance is very weakening to the
character of the face. Leave such a fad to those of bad taste, who have
nothing else to do but corrupt the standing customs.
5. Do not, no matter how much displeased, at any time wear a scowl or
severe expression; it does you no good as to others, for they do not
know the cause thereof, and they naturally conclude you to be of a
disagreeable disposition. Equally true is it that the face should be
free from that incessant smiling which overspreads the countenances of
so many. The face should possess neither one of these expressions, but
present a set, firm appearance, conveying no idea of the thoughts of the
mind. Outward causes are exceptions to the changes of facial expressions.
When talking, care should be taken not to accompany the words with
distortions of the face. The mouth should not be opened too wide, nor the
tongue stuck out. Never bite the lips or pick the teeth, as both distort
the face. Never use the eyes in a flirtatious manner, as it is very
poor taste and shows conceit. Also, do not glance at a strange lady in
a steady or impertinent manner; least of all on the street or in public
vehicles.
6. Your position should always be as dignified as possible; if sitting,
the body should be held upright and the arms gracefully placed, and
not twisted or hung over the back of the chair. Always face the person
whom you are addressing. When standing, your position must be straight,
shoulders back, and head well up. The legs to be close together or one
slightly advanced, in a position of rest. The arms can be carried either
by locking hands behind the back, or in front, or they can be folded upon
the chest; either way can be made to appear graceful. When walking, the
body is carried as in standing, and the busy hand must carry its contents
as gracefully as possible, while the other hand is allowed to hang by the
side, moving only with the motion of the body. Both, if free, must hang
thus; never put them in the pockets.
[Illustration]
HABITS