y criticise the architecture and
decorations, or the faith to which it is consecrated. They comment
flippantly on great pictures in art galleries, and snicker over undraped
statues, evincing the commonness of their minds and their lack of
knowledge of art. But one of the worst lapses of decorum is to sit in a
theatre and anticipate the action of the play, or the development of a
musical number, by explanations to a companion. To do so may show
familiarity with the play or the score, but it also shows a painful lack
of good breeding, and a disregard of others' rights to peaceful enjoyment.
On a par with this is the incivility of a person who undertakes to
accompany a soloist with his (or her) own little pipe, to the annoyance of
those who prefer to listen to professional rather than amateur efforts.

Of course all these rude people excuse themselves by saying they "get
left" if they don't "rush," and that they "paid for their seats," as if
this atoned for their disregard of those who, equally with themselves,
have paid for a pleasure spoiled for them by the greed or impertinence of
their fellow men--and women.

Telephone Etiquette.--"Central" could disclose how discourteous many women
who pique themselves on their good manners can be when they are "calling
down" the tradesman who has made a mistake in filling their order. And how
often a party line is held for a lengthy "telephone visit" while others
wait their really important affairs because the "line's busy!"

The manners of the public need reforming. Civility is a public good.
Without it, we would be barbarians. It is the practical application of the
Golden Rule to everyday life. To lay aside our own courtesy because we are
in a crowd, or among people who do not know us, reduces us below the level
of those who are not versed in the social requirements, because we know
them and should practise them, whereas they do not know.

DUTIES AND DRESS OF SERVANTS.

In many large and well-to-do households in this country only one maid, the
"girl for general housework" is engaged, the mistress and her daughters
assisting with the lighter parts of the work. In such case each must have
a certain definite portion of the daily duties and be responsible for its
performance. Very few maids are capable enough to do all the work of a
good sized family without assistance, even though the linen be sent to the
laundry.

The One Maid.--Where but one maid is kept she must rise e