lf and the
company you are with. A gentleman does not sit astride a chair, nor
with legs spread out, nor a lady with her legs crossed. Never put out
your foot, in the street car or elsewhere, or place it where it may
trouble others in passing by.

When several people enter a room in a private house where you are
sitting, always rise, especially if they are older than you. When an
elderly person enters the room alone, it is always a graceful show of
deference for all younger than he to rise and remain standing until he
is seated.

The greetings of night and morning are due to all members of one's
household, and should not be omitted. The one who enters a room where
others are assembled gives the salutation first.

"Good morning" is the appropriate greeting till noon. "Good afternoon"
and "Good evening" are the greetings for the later hours of the day.
"Good-by" is, however, the common and most acceptable form of
farewell. After an evening's entertainment, it is permissible also to
say "Good night" instead. "Good day," "Good afternoon," and "Good
evening," used in farewell, are provincial.

"I beg pardon," spoken with an inquiring inflection, is much better
than simply "What?" when you do not hear what is said. The abruptness
of the latter savors of rudeness.

Whispering is not permissible in company, and it is not necessary in
private. Therefore, whisper not at all, especially not in a sick-room
or in church, where the whisper is far more penetrating than a low,
distinct tone.

The calling up or down stairs is inconsiderate, for you attract the
attention of two floors of people, as well as publish your message. To
carry on a conversation over the banisters is also equally bad. Even a
word of inquiry should usually be spoken at short distance in a hall
which leads to several rooms, and where many people may hear or be
disturbed by the noise. Such calling should never be permitted to
servants or children, for once begun its convenience will demand its
continuance.

Interrupting another's conversation is a serious breach of courtesy.

Finding fault is a very disturbing feature of home life, no matter how
glaring the faults which may be criticised. Faults have to be
remedied, but every effort should be made to do it skillfully, and
not make the remedy worse than the disease.

Do not open your letters in company, except in case of emergency, and
in the latter, ask the permission of the company to do so. Never,
un