262 THE HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPAEDIA. 



that the conversation shall be carried on in his own language. If at a 

 dinner party, the same rule applies to those at his end of the table. 



If upon the entrance of a visitor you carry on the thread of a previous 

 conversation, you should briefly recapitulate to him what has been said 

 before he arrived. 



Always look, but never stare, at those with whom you converse. 



In order to meet the general needs of conversation in society, it is 

 necessary that a man should be well acquainted with the current news 

 and historical events of at least the last few years. 



Never talk upon subjects of which you know nothing, unless it be for 

 the purpose of acquiring information. Many young men imagine that 

 because they frequent exhibitions and operas they are qualified judges of 

 art. No mistake is more egregious or universal. 



Those who introduce anecdotes into their conversation are warned that 

 these should invariably be " short, witty, eloquent, new, and not far- 

 fetched." 



Scandal is the least excusable of all conversational vulgarities. 



In conversing with a man of rank, do not too frequently give him his 

 title. 



THE PROMENADE, 



A well-bred man must entertain no respect for the brim of his hat. 

 " A bow," says La Fontaine, " is a note drawn at sight." You are bound 

 to acknowledge it immediately, and to the full amount. True politeness- 

 demands that the hat should be quite lifted from the head. 



On meeting friends with whom you are likely to shake hands remove 

 your hat with the left hand in order to leave the right hand free. 



If you meet a lady in the street whom you are sufficiently intimate to 

 address, do not stop her, but turn round and walk beside her in which- 

 ever direction she is going. When you have said all that you wish to 

 say, you can take your leave. 



If you meet a lady with whom you are not particularly well acquainted, 

 wait for her recognition before you venture to bow to her. 



In bowing to a lady whom you are not going to address, lift your hat 

 with that hand which is farthest from her. For instance, if you pass 

 her on the right side, use your left hand ; if on the left, use your right. 



If you are on horseback and wish to converse with a lady who is on 

 foot, you must dismount and lead your horse, so as not to give her the 

 fatigue of looking up to your level. Neither should you subject her to 

 the impropriety of carrying on a conversation in a tone necessarily louder 

 than is sanctioned in public by the laws of good breeding. 



