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Forms, Letters, French Phases, Etc

8. It is allowable for a gentleman to offer his arms to two ladies, but no lady should take the arms of two gentlemen

9. Ladies are usually given the inside of the walk. When, in order to preserve this position, changes are to be made, the gentleman must pass behind the lady.

10. No gentleman will smoke in a parlor, nor is it allowable even on the street in the presence of a lady.

11. On very narrow crossings the lady should precede her escort, as then he is enabled to see that she gets across without accident.

12. No lady should wear a trailing dress upon the street.

13. In order the more effectually to protect a lady, a gentleman should give his left arm, and in cases of danger this should be done even if it places the lady upon the outer side of the walk.

14. A lady precedes her escort into a door or gate, down stairs and over a difficult crossing; the lady takes precedence in going down stairs.

15. A gentleman should always offer his arm to a lady in the evening. In the daytime it is not usual to do so.

16. If a lady is in distress, any gentleman, whether an acquaintance or not, should offer his assistance.

17. A lady should not go on the street at night unattended.

18. No gentleman ever makes sweeping innuendoes against the sex. To do so, argues an acquaintance only with the most disreputable.

19. Do not clean your nails or pick your teeth in company.

20. It is vulgar to indicate a person by pointing.

21. A practical joke is worse than vulgar: it is cruel.

22. Always give precedence to ladies, invalids and elderly persons.

23. Do not make promises that you do not intend to fulfill.

24. Never touch an acquaintance to call his attention, and never touch any one, however menial may be their position, with a cane, parasol or umbrella to secure their notice.

25. Only vulgarians touch pictures, statues, etc., with canes or parasols, to point them out, or to indicate any defect or beauty.

26. Every polite question deserves a civil answer.

27. You have no right to lend an article that you yourself have borrowed.

28. Never stand across the pavement, blocking it, and do not occupy a doorway or narrow hall to the annoyance and retarding of passers.

29. A gift made or a favor rendered should never be alluded to.

30. A gentleman or lady will not only not open the letter of another, but will not read one already opened, unless requested to do so.

31. Charity to street beggers is a doubtful method of relieving necessities. 32. Only a miserable cad or senseless dude ever boasts of his conquests amongst the fair sex. 33. Never betray a confidence. 4 34. Remember that "too much familiarity breeds contempt." 35. Rejoice not at the calamities of another, even though an enemy. 36. Be gentle and graceful in all things. 37. A present should never be undervalued, nor sent in hopes of a return. 38. Always close the door after you gently and without slamming. 39. Do not boast of your own exploits. 40. Never without necessity pass between two persons engaged in a conversation-should it become necessary, always apologize. 41. Apologize for passing between any one and the fire, and avoid doing so if possible. 42. Be punctual in keeping appointments. 43. Never attempt to monopolize the conversation. 44. Never assert anything with a great degree of certainty. 45. Do not call newly made acquaintances by their given names. 46. Do not laugh at your own wit. 47. Be not often the hero of your own legends. 48. In foreign countries boast not overmuch of your own. 49. It is vulgar to question children or servants about the affairs of their families. 50. Be neither rude to nor familiar with servants. Treat them humanly, yet with a proper degree of dignity. 51. It is neither just nor honest to punish children for faults in the commission of which you set them the example. 52. Treat even your enemies courteously under your own roof. 53. Never answer questions addressed to others, or even those that have been addressed generally to the company of which you are a member. 54. It is better to teach by precept than by example. 55. Avoid satire and sneering. 56. Wit that wounds should be carefully avoided. 57. Be kind to all; treat courteously those who ask and those who extend favors. 58. Be truthful. Lying is the vice of slaves. 59. Avoid hypocrisy, nor make any false pretences. 60. Invitations should be promptly answered. 61. Do not neglect calling upon friends. 62. If writing to another upon business (of benefit to yourself) do not fail to enclose postage stamp for reply. 63. Do not cross your legs, or extend your feet out into the aisles of cars or 'busses, as others will be troubled thereby. 64. An offered apology should always be accepted, though it is not necessary to again begin a friendship with the person offering it. 65. A lady should not accept expensive gifts, except from near relatives or an accepted lover. 66. Avoid all boisterous conduct, in laughing or talking. 67. All extremes should be avoided. 68. Flashy vestments and much jewelry should be avoided. 69. Do nothing that will interfere with the pleasures of others. 70. Do not scoff at the beliefs of others. 71. Be well dressed, but never over-dressed. 72. Treat children with gentleness and consideration. He who beats or abuses a child, degrades it. 73. Never indulge in profanity; it is a vice without pleasure or reward. 74. Never associate with any one whom you would not willingly introduce to your family. 75. Adopt, if not sinful or degrading, the customs of those amongst whom your lot is cast. Never be singular.

XV. Alphabet of Etiquette.

Avoid thou all evil, all rudeness, all haste, Be gentle, be cheerful, be kindly, be chaste.

Consider the needs of the old and the weak; Don't volunteer counsel, think twice ere you speak.

Ever think last of self, be not boastful or proud, Fear scandal and gossip, let your talk be not loud.

Greet with equal politeness the high and the low, Have a heart full of kindness, a soul pure as snow.

Injure none by a look, or a word or a tone; Join not those that are evil; far better alone.

Keep promise and counsel, let your word be your bond, Leave lying to slaves, of yourself be not fond.

Move gently; be modest in action and dress; Never swear, never mock at another's distress.

Over dressing avoid, but at fashion don't sneer, Pay due tribute to usage, but bend not to fear.

Quit all that is harmful to self or to others, Remember this world is a wide band of brothers!

Shun the fool and the ruffian; the fop and the boor, Take pleasure in helping the weak and the poor.

Use good language or none, all coarseness avoid, Vulgarity's sinful, or with sin alloyed.

Wax ever in virtue, in grace and good will, Xcelling in good and decreasing in ill.

Yonder sun be thy guidance in everything bright, Zero marking thy standing in all that's not right. *Composed by the late Lord D'Israeli, the English Premier, at the age of 12 years. Memorandum