is
talents, except in very special cases wherein he would not be asked,
are or should be at the disposal of the company, or at the request of
his hostess. Any voluntary or requested performance of this sort may
be as brief as he pleases, and should be brief, unless his talent is
so great that there can be no possible doubt of its acceptability, and
he is in a generous mood,--a combination of circumstances rare in any
but the most talented circles.

If you turn the pages of music for a musician, do so in a quiet and
self-forgetful manner. Interest in you is quite subordinate to
interest in the performer.

Do not by extravagant applause encourage parlor recitations, for
mediocre talent is always profuse.

It is a mark of good breeding to control or at least conceal one's
moods, so that in company one always appears to be content, if not
happy. It adds much to the happiness of others to give this
impression, and is therefore generous as well as wise.

It is always rude to interrupt with conversation, or yawning, or any
motion, a musical performance, or any entertainment whether public or
private, in which those about one are interested. One should retire if
he cannot refrain.

Behavior in church may be taught in one great principle, providing
that principle is fundamental enough. The sense of reverence for the
things of the spiritual life may be felt, if not comprehended, by even
the child. No amount of "Don't's," if the spirit of worship be not
instilled, will avail to make the child of any age an attentive and
reverent worshiper or even attendant at church.

The sense of worship will forbid whispering and chatting with friends,
the noisy turning of the leaves of hymn-book or Bible, or an
indifferent or scornful attitude when any are in prayer.

Another sign of the same reverence is the careful observance of
punctuality at the service. A church service is, by its very nature, a
more intimate and important service to the attendant than any other.
Therefore, to come in late, thus distracting the attention of those
who have gone to church for meditation or worship, is a far more
flagrant offense against the rights of others, than is the disturbing
of their pleasure at a theatre or a concert by a tardy entrance.

The habit of a vacant or absent mind in company is a grave fault, and
works greatly to the detriment of one's reputation for intelligence,
in spite of all else that one may do to establish it.

Straightfo