drawing-room, or library, when ladies are, or intend to be, in the
vicinity later, and should never be indulged in, even in the places
mentioned above, if the ladies are present, without their unanimous
consent thereto.
Smoking in the street is also objected to, exception being made when on
the front platforms of cars, when a gentleman should make it his duty to
see that the smoke does not prove disagreeable to ladies in the car.
2. Drinking to excess is not the habit of a gentleman. Drink should be
taken only in moderation, especially at dinner parties when ladies are
present. Do not boast of your fondness for the beverage. If you chance
to be at all under the influence of liquor, or even if you have merely a
strong odor of it on the breath, do not attend a reception or dance, as
such an odor is not perfume to the partners with whom you may dance or
converse.
3. Chewing tobacco or other stuff manufactured for the same purpose
should never be indulged in by a gentleman, no matter where he is.
Spitting must not be practised in the presence of ladies, and should be
done away with entirely unless alone and out of sight of others. Clearing
the throat should not be done in ladies’ company, and be careful not to
allow indications of indigestion to rise noisily in the throat. And
lastly, do not hiss through the teeth or hum to yourself in company.
4. Do not, no matter how cramped you may be, stretch in the presence of
ladies, and not at all at the table, even if alone. Yawning should be
confined to your own presence strictly, or, if it is irrepressible, place
the fingers before the mouth.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
CONVERSATION