determine, but which must be
general as the faults are so prevalent. Women, as a rule, do not
respect an appointment and keep it punctually, interrupt conversation
repeatedly and ruthlessly, keep visitors waiting by needless delays,
and do not seem to notice or regret the sacrifice that some courtesy
to them may have caused another.

The arraignment of women for these faults is indeed serious, for
social misdemeanors could not easily be much worse. It means that the
deep heart-feeling of courtesy is quite lacking from certain classes
of women,--classes not to be marked off distinctly from any grade of
wealth or learning. If the ladies of a fashionable and progressive
intellectual club will not, after two or three years of repeated
requests, make it a habit, one and all, to remove their hats during a
dinner and the subsequent speeches in a crowded and level-floored club
dining-room, it is useless to look for any finer courtesy among the
"cultured" than among the work-worn "laboring" classes.

As a rule the women least at fault in these matters are the business
women, a fact which would seem to prove that lack of business and
professional training was in part responsible for the general apathy
and indifference toward these matters of ordinary courtesy.

Courtesy, like honesty, is the best policy in all our dealings with
our fellow men. Therefore, we cannot afford to neglect to exercise it.

Politeness and interest in others alike lead one to make those
inquiries concerning friends and their families which show real
concern in their welfare, and which are exceedingly gratifying to
all. Often this kindly trait alone gives one a reputation for charm,
although it has its disadvantages, to be sure, in its demands upon
one's sympathy and patience.

We each know that we are worth while. We should, therefore, treat
others on that assumption, and thereby make them rise to their
potential worth. The good that a person, who thus calls out the good
within people, may do is limited only by his acquaintance.

Personality is, after all, one's greatest asset in life. No thought or
effort should be spared in making it pleasing and inspiring,--a fit
expression of one's character and ideals, and a worthy gift to the
world.

CHAPTER III

FAMILY ETIQUETTE

THE permanence of a courteous manner is the test of its sincerity. If
one is polite invariably everywhere but at home, one's politeness is
as superficial as a disguise,