When you receive an invitation from a friend to make a visit at a
specified time, it is polite to answer it as promptly as possible, and
to say distinctly whether or not you can accept the offered pleasure.
Your friend may have others whom it is desirable to ask after you have
been entertained. Be sure you state by what boat or train you will go,
and your hour of leaving home, so that there will be no uncertainty
about meeting you. When nothing is mentioned as to the duration of your
visit, it is usual to assume that a week will be its sufficient period.
Do not stay longer than that time, unless you are urged to do so. The
most agreeable guest is the one who is regretted when he or she goes
away. Always anticipate a good time, and be prepared to contribute your
share to it. Be pleased with what is done for you, and express your
pleasure. Do not be obtrusive in offering help to your host, but if an
opportunity arises for you to give assistance, do not be afraid to
embrace it. There are little helpful things which come in our way at
home and abroad if we have eyes to see them. Charlie, dear boy, was at
Tom's house not long ago, and happening to glance from the window, he
noticed Tom's mother struggling to open the gate with her hands full of
parcels. He ran out at once, and relieved her of some of her bundles,
held the gate open as she passed in, and closed it behind her. Helen,
who is her mother's right hand when at home, is in request in her
friends' houses, for somehow she scatters sunshine wherever she goes,
she is so bright, so animated and cheery. She plays beautifully, and she
never has to be coaxed to sit down at the piano, but does it willingly,
and plays for dancing--a thing which most girls regard as tiresome--with
spirit and good-nature whenever there is need of her skill.
When visiting we ought to conform to the family ways. It is ill-bred to
give trouble or cause annoyance. Harry's father and mother dislike
extremely to have people late for meals. When the Lesters were staying
there they seldom heard the breakfast bell, and never came home from an
outing until dinner was almost finished. Harry said he could not help
it, but reproof nevertheless came upon him. Boys should not go tearing
wildly through a friend's house, nor, for that matter, through their
own. Grown-up ladies and gentlemen have nerves which should be
considered. Of course well-behaved young people will put away their
outside wraps when in a strange house, and not leave overshoes in full
sight in the passage, nor shawls, cloaks, hats, and gloves lying loosely
around the parlors. Young girls should be careful in their use of the
pretty things that adorn their chambers. Do not rumple that dainty lace
pillow-sham, nor strew your clothing over every chair and sofa, to the
irritation of the mistress. Do not follow your friend and host
everywhere, but at the busy times of the day amuse yourselves with books
or work, and remember to thank them, on leaving, for what they have done
for you.