CONVERSATION. 261 



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 his 

 exhibition picture. Having furnished the topic, you need only listen 

 and you are sure to be thought not only agreeable but thoroughly sen- 

 sible 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 professions. To 

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

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

 them ignorant of other topics. 



Do not use a classical quotation in the presence of ladies without apolo- 

 gizing for, or translating, it. Even this should only be done when no 

 other phrase would so aptly express your meaning. Whether in the 

 presence of ladies or gentlemen, much display of learning is pedantic and 

 out of place. 



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. 



Do not pun. Puns unless they rise to the rank of witticisms, are to be 

 scrupulously avoided. 



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

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

 endeavour to prevent the conversation from dwelling too long upon one 

 topic. 



Religion is a topic which should never be introduced in society. It is 

 til-- one subject on which persons arc most likely to differ, and least able 

 to preserve temper. 



Nevei- interrupt a pel-son who is speaking. 



isten well, is almost as great an art as to talk well. It is not 

 enough o ///// to listen. You mu-t endeavour to seem interested in the 

 ation of others. 



It is considered extremely ill-hivd when persons whiter in society, 

 OT Convene in a language in which all pre-ent are nut f.imiliar. If YOU 

 have private matter^ to you should appoint a proper time an. 1 



pl;i' BO, \vithuut paying others the ill compliment ,,f excluding 



them from your conversation. 



If a foreigner be one of i tsai a small party, and does not under* 



ad KnglMi >ulli<-iently to follow what is said, good-h. 



