of pretentiousness is committed
oftener perhaps by women than by men, who are usually more natural and
direct. A genuine, sincere, kindly American man--or woman--can go anywhere
and be welcomed by everyone, provided of course, that he is a man of
ability and intellect. One finds him all over the world, neither aping the
manners of others nor treading on the sensibilities of those less
fortunate than himself.

Occasionally too, there appears in Best Society a provincial in whose
conversation is perceptible the influence of much reading of the Bible.
Such are seldom if ever stilted or pompous or long-worded, but are
invariably distinguished for the simplicity and dignity of their English.

There is no better way to cultivate taste in words, than by constantly
reading the best English. None of the words and expressions which are
taboo in good society will be found in books of proved literary standing.
But it must not be forgotten that there can be a vast difference between
literary standing and popularity, and that many of the "best sellers" have
no literary merit whatsoever.

To be able to separate best English from merely good English needs a long
process of special education, but to recognize bad English one need merely
skim through a page of a book, and if a single expression in the left-hand
column following can be found (unless purposely quoted in illustration of
vulgarity) it is quite certain that the author neither writes best English
nor belongs to Best Society.

NEVER SAY: CORRECT FORM:
In our residence we retire At our house we go to bed
early (or arise) early (or get up)

I desire to purchase I should like to buy

Make you acquainted with (See Introductions)

Pardon _me_! I beg your pardon. Or,
Excuse me! Or, sorry!

Lovely food Good food

Elegant home Beautiful house--or place

A stylish dresser She dresses well, or she
wears lovely clothes

Charmed! or Pleased to How do you do!
meet you!

Attended Went to

I trust I am not trespassing I hope I am not in the way
(unless trespassing on private
property is actually