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

If you are walking down the street with another person on your arm, and stop to say something to one of your friends, do not commit the too common and most awkward error of intr...

When you enter a drawing-room, where there is a ball or a party, you salute the lady of the house before speaking to any one else. Even your most intimate friends are enveloped...

Fashion is a tyranny founded only on assumption. The principle upon which its influence rests, is one deeply based in the human heart, and one which has long been observed and l...

The hour of dinner has been said, by Dr. Johnson, to be the most important hour in civilized life. The etiquette of the dinner-table has a prominence commensurate with the digni...

The author of the present volume has endeavoured to embody, in as short a space as possible, some of the results of his own experience and observation in society, and submits th...

Women, particularly women a little on the decline, are those who make the reputation of a young man. When the lustre of their distinction begins to fade, a slight feeling of les...

First impressions are apt to be permanent; it is therefore of importance that they should be favourable. The dress of an individual is that circumstance from which you first for...

The salutation, says a French writer, is the touchstone of good breeding. According to circumstances, it should be respectful, cordial, civil, affectionate or familiar:—an incli...

It is an extremely difficult affair to travel in a coach, with perfect propriety. Ten to one the person next to you is an English nobleman _incognito_; and a hundred to one, the...

Servants are a necessary evil. He who shall contrive to obviate their necessity, or remove their inconveniences, will render to human comfort a greater benefit than has yet been...

The formalities of refined society were at first established for the purpose of facilitating the intercourse of persons of the same standing, and increasing the happiness of all...

If you call to see an acquaintance at lodgings, and cannot find any one to announce you, you knock very lightly at the door, and wait some time before entering. If you are in to...

Always remember that the terms of compliment at the close of a letter—“I have the honour to be your very obedient servant,” etc. are merely forms—“signifying nothing.” Do not th...

When any member of a family is dead, it is customary to send intelligence of the misfortune to all who have been connected with the deceased in relations of business or friendsh...

When you make an appointment, always be exact in observing it. In some places, and on some occasions, a quarter of an hour’s _grace_ is given. This depends on custom, and it is...

Invitations to a ball should be issued at least ten days in advance, in order to give an opportunity to the men to clear away engagements; and to women, time to prepare the arti...