The Laws of Etiquette; Or, Short Rules and Reflections for Conduct in Society

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Carey, Lea, & Blanchard, 1836 - Etiquette - 224 pages
 

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Page 130 - To accomplish 139 this, he must have th» genius of tact to perceive, and the genius of finesse to execute ; ease and frankness of manner ; a knowledge of the world that nothing can surprise ; a calmness of temper that nothing can disturb, and a kindness of disposition that can never be exhausted.
Page 191 - ... indelicate, and looks as if you were desirous of placing her under an obligation to you, and of buying her good will. The gifts made by ladies to gentlemen are of the most refined nature possible: they should be little articles not purchased, but deriving a priceless value as being the offspring of their gentle skill; a little picture from their pencil, or a trifle from their needle.
Page 6 - After your soup what did you eat?" "A fresh egg." "And what did you do with the shell? "Handed it to the servant." "Without breaking it?" "Yes, without breaking it up, of course." "Ah, my dear abbe, nobody ever eats an egg without breaking the shell afterward," exclaimed Abbe Delille. "And after your egg?" "I asked the abbe Radonvilliers to send me a piece of the hen near him.
Page 127 - ... by accident or thoughtlessness you arrive too soon, you may pretend that you called to inquire the exact hour at which they dine, having mislaid the note, and then retire to walk for an appetite. ARRIVING TOO LATE. If you are too late, the evil is still greater, and indeed almost without a remedy. Your delay spoils the dinner and destroys the appetite and temper of the guests ; and you yourself are so much embarrassed at the inconvenience you have occasioned, that you commit a thousand errors...
Page 95 - It is an error to suppose that conversation con104 sists in talking. A more important thing is to listen discreetly. . Mirabeau said, that to succeed in the world, it is necessary to submit to be taught many things which you understand, by persons who know nothing about them.
Page 63 - CONGRATULATIONS. Upon the appointment of one of your friends to any office or dignity, you call upon him to congratulate, not him, but the country, community or state, on account of the honor and advantage which it derives from the appointment. If one of your friends has delivered a public oration, call upon him when he has returned home, and tender to him your thanks for the great pleasure and satisfaction for which you are indebted to him, and express your high estimation of the luminous, elegant,...
Page 16 - By those who look close to the ground, dirt will be seen, sir," was the lofty reply. "I hope I see things from a greater distance.
Page 73 - Philadelphia codist) whom you call upon at a hotel should be a woman, you would probably find her sitting with the other lodgers in the parlour. If so, you should order a servant to carry your card and give it to the person whom you designate, and follow it immediately. The person whom you seek is thus pointed out to you, and your name made known to her. Also, if you are visiting any one whom you do not know, not at lodgings, but living en menage, send in your card and follow it. ' By the way, there...
Page 125 - THE hour of dinner has been pronounced by Dr. Johnson, to be, in civilized life, the most Important hour of the twenty-four. The etiquette of the dinner-table has a prominence commensurate with the dignity of the ceremony. Like the historian of Peter Bell, we commence at the commencement, and thence proceed to the moment when you take leave officially, or vanish unseen. INVITATIONS. In order to dine, the first requisite is — to be invited. The length of time which the invitation precedes the dinner...

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