n the
distance.

A few instants later there was a flash; a report followed, echoing among
the shadows; then all was silent; then came the thud of a body falling
into the sea.

Good Manners Fifty Years Ago.

Easier for a Camel to Pass Through a Needle's Eye Than for the Modern
Aspirant to Butt into Society Through the Rules of Deportment
Prevalent in the Middle of the Last Century.

Eliza Leslie was born in Philadelphia in 1787. Her father
was a personal friend of Franklin, Jefferson, and other
eminent men. She went with her family to England as a child,
remaining until her sixteenth year. She wrote some verse at
different periods, but not until her fortieth year did she
publish any prose. This took the form of a cookery-book,
which met with great success. Later, _Godey's Ladies' Book_
published a prize story from her pen--"Mrs. Washington
Potts"--and she adopted literature as a profession. Several
books on household topics and manners were among her most
popular productions, and in one of the latest of these--the
"Behavior Book," published in 1853--one may find so many
illuminating suggestions and such a wealth of instruction
for ladies "as regards their conversation; manners; dress;
introductions; entree to society; shopping; conduct in the
street; at places of amusement; in traveling; at the table,
either at home, in company, or at hotels; deportment in
gentlemen's society; lips; complexion; teeth; hands; the
hair; etc., etc.," that it would seem to have been a
straight way and a narrow gate indeed which led to the land
of good form and good looks fifty years ago.

It would also seem, from her having addressed the work
particularly to ladies, that they were the worst offenders
in matters of manners; she avows her purpose, however, in a
conciliatory preface, to be "to amend and not to offend; to
improve her young countrywomen, and not to annoy them." The
few "habitual misbehavements" to which she would call their
attention she has noted during a "long course of
observation, on a very diversified field."

Shopping.

When circumstances render it expedient to carry much money out with you,
divide it; putting half in one purse or pocketbook and half in another,
and put these portions in two pockets.

Gentlemen consider it a very irksome task to go on shopping expeditions,
and their