can be
unconventional. Order, however, in a match game especially, should be
strictly maintained. The severe English rule at clubs, under such
circumstances, requires the man who has played his stroke "to retire to
a reasonable distance, and keep out of the line of sight" (_vide_ the
Badminton treatise on the game). Orders for drinks to the waiter, loud
talking, criticism of the play, lighting pipes and cigars--the latter
being only generally allowed in New York club billiard rooms--are all
offenses against etiquette.

In private houses it is certainly a breach of good manners to bolt into
a billiard room while a game is in progress, except between the strokes,
and this period can be easily ascertained by listening at the door. The
ideal game is conducted with strict observance of the etiquette of the
room. It is, according to the same Badminton authority, a game during
the progress of which neither player smokes nor interrupts the other,
and spectators are generally courteous, silent, and impartial. In a
private house where ladies are apt to be present and to be players,
shirt sleeves are certainly not tolerated. The dinner coat is useful on
these occasions. Smoking is permissible if the hostess consents.

The etiquette of cards calls for but a word. Whist means silence. No
gentleman quarrels with a billiard marker or a golf caddie; still less
should he dispute a point at cards. Better lose, especially when women
are present, than enter a controversy.

CHAPTER XVII.

A BACHELOR'S TRAVELS AT HOME AND ABROAD.

To seem entirely at one's ease is the best maxim I can give for
traveling. You can not actually pretend to experience that which may be
totally lacking, but by making yourself comfortable you will increase
the pleasure of others. There is, in these days of luxurious traveling,
but little occasion to be flurried, and no excuse whatever for not being
as well dressed as you are calm and self-possessed. Dress means a great
deal, and if you have not a servant with you it will simply require a
little care at the commencement to insure your entire freedom from all
annoyance.

As I have already observed in a previous chapter, in a long journey it
would be better to take more than one trunk, but even if you have but
the one you should carry also a bag with your toilet articles. A
dressing bag is most requisite, and if you can not afford this you
could have an ordinary bag, or even a "dress suit" case, fitted