The train had just steamed into the railway station, when a porter
opened the carriage door to let a lady step in--at least she =looked=
like a lady, and was dressed most elegantly. Her gown was of silk, over
which she wore a rich fur-lined cloak, and her bonnet was quite smart
with feathers and flowers. As she drew off her gloves, you could not
help noticing that her fingers were covered with glittering rings.
"Surely she must be going to some grand concert, or to a party," thought
we.
But listen to what happened next! Just before the train started she
suddenly opened the carriage window, and leaning out as far as ever she
could, shouted in a loud, rough voice, so loudly that all the people
round could hear, "Heigh! you porter there, is my luggage all right?"
Then she closed the window and sat down, and we felt that in spite of
her finery she was a rude, rough woman, for a lady is gentle, and would
never speak in a loud, coarse voice that grates on those who hear it.
Never speak too loudly either out of doors or elsewhere; keep always a
soft, sweet voice.
Speak gently, for a gentle voice
Is loved, like music sweet;
Coarse tones and loud are out of place
At home or on the street.