er
sudden emergence therefrom to mingle in Washington society, that she
found herself perfectly at ease in those circles so widely different
from her previous experience of life, and that "she attributed it
wholly to her knowledge of social customs and the social atmosphere,
as gained from the best society stories." It was in this manner that
she served her social novitiate and the result bore testimony to its
efficacy.

Where one is not quite sure of rising to the occasion it is well to be
provided, before attending a social gathering, with several topics
that will be suitable to bring forward in conversation. Many are in
the habit of doing this constantly. Some new book, one that created a
little sensation, some course of lectures, some late theatrical or
operatic entertainment, anything, in short, that is generally popular.
Be careful, however, in broaching such subjects not to egotistically
give your own opinion at the outset by saying decidedly, "I think that
book is a perfect failure, quite absurd in fact. What is your
opinion?" This course of action, if your companion is younger or more
timid than yourself, will probably reduce him to the point of having
no opinion whatever, or at least to being afraid to express it, and
the conversation, as such, will fail completely. Whereas, if you had
quietly asked him if he had read the book, how he enjoyed it, etc.,
you would have gradually entered upon a conversation wherein you
would have drawn out his ideas and at the same time have been enabled
to display your own.

Cultivate Your Mind.

One of the first requisites of social success is a cultivated mind.
You cannot hope to hold your own in society without at least a general
knowledge of the events of the last few years in historical,
scientific, artistic and social fields. Such knowledge is easily
gained by a little study and a great deal of observation, the pains
taken being more than recompensed by the ease and assurance with which
one enters society.

If a musician or an artist, you should be sure to know something of
your chosen art aside from the mere technicalities. Be well versed in
the various schools of painting, the varied merits of the musical
masters of the past and present. Be filled with the spirit as well as
the technique of your profession and you cannot fail to converse
pleasantly upon these subjects. Always remember, however, not to
advance your opinions to the utter exclusion of every one else