CONVERSATION. 243 



indeed, one of the attributes of the sex, and should be cultivated by every 

 gentlewoman who aspires to please in general society. 



In order to talk well, three conditions are indispensable, namely tact, 

 a good memory, and a fair education. 



Remember that people take more interest in their own affairs than in 

 anything else which you can name. If you wish your conversation to be 

 thoroughly agreeable, lead a mother to talk of her children, a young lady 

 of her last ball, an author of his forthcoming book, or an artist of In- 

 hibition picture. Having furnished the topic, you need only listen; ami 

 you are sure to be thought not only agreeable, but thoroughly sensible and 

 well-informed. 



Be careful, however, on the other hand, not always to make a point of 

 talking to persons upon general matters relating to their profession. To 

 show an interest in their immediate concerns is flattering ; but to converse 

 with them too much about their own arts looks as if you thought them 

 ignorant of other topics. 



Remember in conversation that a voice " gentle and low " is, above all 

 other extraneous acquirements, " an excellent thing in woman." There is 

 a certain distinct but subdued tone of voice which is peculiar to only well- 

 bred persons. A loud voice is both disagreeable and vulgar. It is better 

 to err by the use of too low rather than too loud a tone. 



Remember that all " slang " is vulgar. 



The use of proverbs is equally vulgar in conversation ; and puns, unless 

 they rise to the rank of witticisms, are to be scrupulously avoided. A 

 lady-punster is a most unpleasing phenomenon, and we would adv { ise no 

 young woman, however witty she may be, to cultivate this kind of verbal 

 talent. 



Long arguments in general company, however entertaining to the dis- 

 putants, are tiresome to the last degree to all others. You should always 



loavourto prevent the conversation from dwelling too long upon one 

 topie. 



U'-l; topic which should never be introduced into society. It 



il'j.'ct on which persons are most likely to differ, and least able 

 to ]' 



Never int.-n uj,t a person who is speaking. It has been aptly >aid that 

 "if you interrupt a speaker in th- middle of his sentence 

 as rudely as if, \vhrn walking with a companion. ; to thrust your- 



before him and stop his progress." 



To li-t-'ii w.-ll i^ almost asgreat an art as to talk well. It tough 



