Part 7 (1/2)

{49}

Hints and Helps on Good Behavior at all Times and at all Places.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE HUMAN FACE, LIKE A FLOWER, SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.]

1. It takes acquaintance to found a n.o.ble esteem, but politeness prepares the way. Indeed, as Montaigne says, Courtesy begets esteem at sight.

Urbanity is half of affability, and affability is a charm worth possessing.

2. A pleasing demeanor is often the scales by which the pagan weighs the Christian. It is not virtue, but virtue inspires it. There are circ.u.mstances in which it takes a great and strong soul to pa.s.s under the little yoke of courtesy, but it is a pa.s.sport to a greater soul standard.

3. Matthew Arnold says, ”Conduct is three-fourths of character,” and Christian benignity draws the line for conduct. A high sense of rect.i.tude, a lowly soul, with a pure and kind {50} heart are elements of n.o.bility which will work out in the life of a human being at home--everywhere.

”Private refinement makes public gentility.”

4. If you would conciliate the favor of men, rule your resentment. Remember that if you permit revenge or malice to occupy your soul, you are ruined.

5. Cultivate a happy temper; banish the blues; a cheerful saguine spirit begets cheer and hope.

6. Be trustworthy and be trustful.

7. Do not place a light estimate upon the arts of good reading and good expression; they will yield perpetual interest.

8. Study to keep versed in world events as well as in local occurrences, but abhor gossip, and above all scandal.

9. Banish a self-conscience spirit--the source of much awkwardness--with a constant aim to make others happy. Remember that it is inc.u.mbent upon gentlemen and ladies alike to be neat in habits.

10. The following is said to be a correct posture for walking. Head erect--not too rigid--chin in, shoulders back. Permit no unnecessary motion about the thighs. Do not lean over to one side in walking, standing or sitting; the practice is not only ungraceful, but it is deforming and therefore unhealthful.

11. Beware of affectation and of Beau Brummel airs.

12. If the hands are allowed to swing in walking, the arc should be limited, and the lady will manage them much more gracefully, if they almost touch the clothing.

13. A lady should not stand with her hands behind her. We could almost say, forget the hands except to keep them clean, including the nails, cordial and helpful. One hand may rest easily in the other. Study repose of att.i.tude here as well as in the rest of the body.

14. Gestures are for emphasis in public speaking; do not point elsewhere, as a rule.

15. Greet your acquaintances as you meet them with a slight bow and smile, as you speak.

16. Look the person to whom you speak in the eye. Never under any circ.u.mstances wink at another or communicate by furtive looks.

17. Should you chance to be the rejected suitor of a lady, bear in mind your own self-respect, as well as the inexorable laws {51} of society, and bow politely when you meet her. Reflect that you do not stand before all woman-kind as you do at her bar. Do not resent the bitterness of flirtation. No lady or gentleman will flirt. Remember ever that painful prediscovery is better than later disappointment. Let such experience spur you to higher exertion.

18. Discretion should be exercised in introducing persons. Of two gentlemen who are introduced, if one is superior in rank or age, he is the one to whom the introduction should be made. Of two social equals, if one be a stranger in the place, his name should be mentioned first.

19. In general the simpler the introduction the better.

20. Before introducing a gentleman to a lady, remember that she is ent.i.tled to hold you responsible for the acquaintance. The lady is the one to whom the gentleman is presented, which may be done thus: ”Miss A, permit me to introduce to you my friend, Mr. B.”; or, ”Miss A., allow me to introduce Mr. B.” If mutual and near friends of yours, say simply, ”Miss A., Mr. B.”