st the "ladies." In referring to
the gentler sex, it is more complimentary to speak of them as "women."
You would say, "She is a clever woman," not a "clever lady." The person
who speaks of "a lady or a gentleman friend" has a defined social
position--on the Bowery.
Avoid slang, especially that of the music halls or the comic (?)
newspapers. You can well afford not to be "up to date."
In greeting a person say "Good morning," "Good afternoon," or "Good
evening," but refrain from such inane phrases as "Delighted, I'm sure."
On introduction or presentation, it is sufficient to say "I am delighted
to meet you." Avoid also the "How d'y do?" "How are you?" "Very well, I
thank you." All this is idiotic.
Whistle all you like in your bedroom, but not in public.
Gentlefolk have "friends" stopping with them, never "company." Servants
have and keep "company."
When you refer to wine it means any kind of vintage, and not necessarily
champagne. Therefore beware of the "gentleman who opens wine," or the
one who gives a "wine party," whatever that may mean. We speak of a
dinner, but not of a dinner party. A party to the play, no matter where
the location of the places may be, is never a "box party."
Do not be a professed jester nor yet a punster. The clowns of society
are not enviable beings.
When speaking of a fashionable woman do not refer to her as a "society
woman." That would imply that she belongs to various societies or
guilds, which is not probably the impression you desire to convey.
When a person has a predilection for the use of the word "elegant," and
especially when it is employed in the sense of beautiful, good,
charming, or delightful, you are quite just in your estimation of his or
her vulgarity.
Answers to questions should be given in the direct affirmative or the
direct negative. "All right" is not, to say the least, civil, and is
ill-bred.
Never exhibit your accomplishments, unless "by special request," in the
public parlors of hotels, or saloons of ships, or other places of
general gathering. The persons who sing and play the piano and make
themselves bores are as reprehensible as the window opening and shutting
fiends, the fidgety travelers, the loud-voiced and constant complaining,
all of whom are most obnoxious.
Under great provocation the expletive "damn" is tolerated by society,
but it should be whispered and not pronounced aloud. The man who swears
is certainly beyond the pale, and the
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