same
evening. Never be guilty of relating in company a narrative that is in
the least questionable in its import. This is utterly inexcusable,
and, to so sin, is to render one's self unfit for social
companionship. Avoid repetition. If some portion of an anecdote has
met with applause, do not repeat it. Its unexpectedness was its only
charm.

Absent-Mindedness.

This is a sin against good manners which cannot be too greatly
condemned, being, as it is, in some measure an insult to the company
in which you find yourself. No one cares to be of so little importance
as to find the person addressed totally oblivious of his presence or
remarks, and no one can blame him if, as Chesterfield suggests,
"finding you absent in mind, you should speedily find them absent in
body."

Profuse Compliments.

To be endurable, compliments should be made use of in a very cautious
and artful manner. If permitted to degenerate into gross flattery they
are far from complimentary to the understanding of the individual
addressed. The day, happily, is long since past when conversation
between men and women was confined to unmixed flattery on the one side
and blushing acceptance on the other. That "the best flattery is that
which comes at second hand," no one can deny, yet, judicious praise is
not only acceptable but useful many times in giving the needed
incentive, without which the flagging footsteps might have faltered on
their way.

Contradictions and Interjections.

Never be guilty of abrupt contradictions. If you differ decidedly from
some given opinion, soften the expression of your difference by such
modifications as, "I hardly think so," or, "My idea is rather
different," or, "I beg to differ." This is much more polite and less
likely to arouse antagonistic feelings.

In conversation never allow yourself to fall into the habit of using
constantly such phrases as "You don't say!" "Do tell!" "Did you ever?"
"Is that so?" and many others that will come to mind as you recall
your own faults in this respect, and the faults of your friends. An
equal avoidance should be cultivated of such interjections as "Say,"
"Well," etc., with which we often begin our sentences. These habits
are all to be condemned and should be corrected as speedily as
possible.

Voice and Manner.

Let your voice be low and pleasantly modulated and your enunciation
clear, distinct and musical. All these things are marks of good
breeding, and, if not you