_1. If you desire to be respected, keep clean. The finest attire and
decorations will add nothing to the appearance or beauty of an untidy
person._
_2. Clean clothing, clean skin, clean hands, including the nails, and
clean, white teeth, are a requisite passport for good society._
_3. A bad breath should be carefully remedied, whether it proceeds from the
stomach or from decayed teeth._
_4. To pick the nose, finger about the ears, or scratch the head or any
other part of the person, in company, is decidedly vulgar._
_5. When you call at any private residence, do not neglect to clean your
shoes thoroughly._
_6. A gentleman should always remove his hat in the presence of ladies,
except out of doors, and then he should lift or touch his hat in
salutation. On meeting a lady a well-bred gentleman will always lift his
hat._
_7. An invitation to a lecture, concert, or other entertainment, may be
either verbal or written, but should always be made at least twenty-four
hours before the time._ {53}
_8. On entering a hall or church the gentleman should precede the lady in
walking up the aisle, or walk by her side, if the aisle is broad enough._
_9. A gentleman should always precede a lady upstairs, and follow her
downstairs._
_10. Visitors should always observe the customs of the church with
reference to standing, sitting, or kneeling during the services._
_11. On leaving a hall or church at the close of entertainment or services,
the gentleman should precede the lady._
_12. A gentleman walking with a lady should carry the parcels, and never
allow the lady to be burdened with anything of the kind._
_13. A gentleman meeting a lady on the street and wishing to speak to her,
should never detain her, but may turn around and walk in the same direction
she is going, until the conversation is completed._
_14. If a lady is traveling with a gentleman, simply as a friend, she
should place the amount of her expenses in his hands, or insist on paying
the bills herself._
_15. Never offer a lady costly gifts unless you are engaged to her, for it
looks as if you were trying to purchase her goodwill; and when you make a
present to a lady use no ceremony whatever._
[Illustration: Children should early be taught the lesson of Propriety and
Good Manners.]
_16. Never carry on a private conversation in company. If secrecy is
necessary, withdraw from the company._
_17. Never sit with your back to another without asking to be excused._
_18. It is as unbecoming for a gentleman to sit with legs crossed as it is
for a lady._
_19. Never thrum with your fingers, rub your hands, yawn, or sigh aloud in
company._
_20. Loud laughter, loud talking, or other boisterous manifestations should
be checked in the society of others, especially on the street and in public
places._ {54}
_21. When you are asked to sing or play in company, do so without being
urged, or refuse in a way that shall be final; and when music is being
rendered in company, show politeness to the musician by giving attention.
It is very impolite to keep up a conversation. If you do not enjoy the
music, keep silent._
_22. Contentions, contradictions, etc., in society should be carefully
avoided._
_23. Pulling out your watch in company, unless asked the time of day, is a
mark of the demi-bred. It looks as if you were tired of the company and the
time dragged heavily._
_24. You should never decline to be introduced to any one or all of the
guests present at a party to which you have been invited._
_25. A gentleman who escorts a lady to a party, or who has a lady placed
under his care, is under particular obligations to attend to her wants and
see that she has proper attention. He should introduce her to others, and
endeavor to make the evening pleasant. He should escort her to the supper
table and provide for her wants._
_26. To take small children or dogs with you on a visit of ceremony is
altogether vulgar, though in visiting familiar friends, children are not
objectionable._
* * * * *
{55} [Illustration: AN EGYPTIAN BRIDE'S WEDDING OUTFIT.]
{56}