o themselves. Should, however, a distinguished
foreigner to whom the language is almost unknown be among the guests,
it is a mark of courtesy for as many as possible to converse in his
native tongue.

Do not immediately break off the conversation upon persons entering
the room. It is too apt to leave the impression upon their minds that
the discourse was of them. In carrying on a conversation after
newcomers enter the room, briefly recapitulate what has gone before,
that the thread of the story may be complete for them. Look at those
with whom you are talking, but never stare.

Profanity is the last and most inexcusable sin committed against good
manners and propriety. The man who will deliberately use profane
language in the drawing-room, or before women and children, or aged
men, should be considered without the pale of good society.

Language coarse in its tendency is open to the same criticism, and
remarks and stories that carry a double meaning cannot be too severely
condemned. If it is at any time possible for a woman to receive such a
story in its innocent sense, let her do it, showing by some remark the
light in which it is taken; otherwise, she should be apparently blind
and ignorant as to its meaning.

Avoid affectations. In conversation make use of long words as little
as possible, and wherever a short and easily understood one is
suitable to express your meaning, choose it in preference to one of
polysyllabic proportions.

Use of the Lips and Facial Expressions.

Do not cover the lips with the hand, or a fan, while speaking. To do
so shows nervousness and a lack of social training. Besides this, much
of the expression of the face lies in the mouth. This is shown by all
actors, readers and public speakers, who, as a rule, appear before
their audiences with closely-shaven faces, that no portion of the
varying changes of the lips may be lost.

Never, if you are a man, speak lightly of women. Nothing so surely
lowers your own standard in the eyes of all sensible people. Never
hurt the feelings of others. Never allude publicly to times when you
have known them in less affluent circumstances than the present.

Be very careful to guard against over much laughing. Nothing gives a
sillier appearance than spasms of laughter upon the slightest
provocation. It soon grows into a very disagreeable habit. Smile
frequently, if need be, but be moderate in laughter. A very little
reasoning will serve to do this; a