ich every gentleman will readily recognize, that
shows whether or not she observes and appreciates his little act of
deference. The atmosphere of good manners may be as invisible as the
air about us; but we know when we are breathing it.

During a promenade in the day-time, a lady does not take a man's arm
unless she is feeble from age or ill-health, and needs the support. In
the evening, a gentleman walking with a lady may offer her his arm. On
no account should a man take a woman's arm. This is a disrespectful
freedom, that might be supposed to be the specialty of the rustic beau,
if it were not so frequently observed in city thoroughfares.

The "cut direct" is the rudest possible way of dropping an
acquaintance; and is allowable only in the case of some flagrant
offender who deserves public and merciless rebuke. Ordinarily, the
result sought--of ending an undesired acquaintance--is attained by a
persistently cold courtesy, supplemented by as much avoidance as
possible; drifting apart, not sinking each other's craft without
warning.

As crowds are distracting, and people bent on their own errands are
often oblivious of their surroundings, it is quite possible for a
seeming cut to have been an unconscious oversight. When an
acquaintance seems not to see one, though close at baud, it is possible
that something closer yet to his consciousness is absorbing all his
thoughts. Only clear and unmistakable evidence of _intention_ should
lead one to infer a slight. It is not only more _polite_, but more
_self-respecting_, to "take offense" _slowly_.

IN PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES

At the theatre or opera, at concerts, or popular lectures, at
"commencements," and other prosperous and happy public entertainments,
a certain gayety of manner may be in harmony with the occasion; but it
should be under control, a smiling cheerfulness, not a free-and-easy
jollity. Before the play, or the programme, begins, social
conversation is usually allowable in quiet tones that do not disturb
the surrounding people. A gentle hum of lively voices is not an
unpleasant overture on such occasions. But the moment the orchestra
begins, if at the theatre, or the instant that the meeting is called to
order by any initial feature of the programme, silence should fall upon
the assembly, and not a whisper be heard. Polite attention should be
given to each feature of the hour. Programmes should be folded and
arranged for easy reference before