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der any circumstances, open a private letter addressed to another. If the one to whom it is addressed is near enough to give you permission to open it, he can usually open it himself; if he is not by to give permission, the letter should go to his legal representative, who then acts according to the law. Politeness as well as pity impel one to be especially polite to the caller or visitor who is uncongenial, or stupid, or unattractive. By even an excess of hospitality one should try to make up for the inevitable slight which society always puts upon such a one. Impartial courtesy is the right of all guests. The close friend and the distant and far less welcome relative are entitled to equal courtesy. The holding of a grudge, and the failing to forgive a slight for which apology has been made, are the height of discourtesy. It is invariably true that the same spirit with which you mete out social slights will be shown you in return. Resent each one, whether intentional or a mere oversight, and you will surely crush the spontaneity out of all attentions shown you, and be met only with distrust. When applied to for a favor, if you intend to grant it, grant it graciously and readily; if you intend to refuse, refuse with equal civility even though firmly. None but the unmannerly will urge a request when the slightest token of refusal has been given. A gentleman may offer personal service to a lady, if there is need, tying her shoe, or hooking or buttoning her dress, or doing any other little act which she cannot herself do. In a company of people, it is the height of rudeness to call attention to the form or features or dress of any one present. In using a handkerchief, always do so unobtrusively. At the dining table it should be used very sparingly. Better retire than be obnoxious to even the most fastidious. Never look over the shoulder of any one who is reading or writing, whether in the home, of in a car, or at a concert, or anywhere else. Do not touch any one in order to arrest his attention, but address him. To lend a borrowed article is an appropriation of it which is next to stealing, unless one has permission of the owner to do so. Self-control in excitement of any sort is a most valuable trait. It always makes for comfort of one's self and of others, and often for safety. Do not pass between two persons who are talking together, if avoidable. If it is not, then apologize. Never refuse
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