Reminders.
In giving these to the pupils seek to arouse discussion.
1. When walking on the sidewalk, if you meet a person, keep to the right of the walk.
“’Tis a rule of the land that when travelers meet
In high-way or by-way, in alley or street,
On foot or in wagon, by day or by night,
Each favor the other and turn to the right.”
2. It is polite to recognize friends and acquaintances on the street. It is a custom of gentlemen to take off their hats when friends are met. They should take off their hats to gentlemen as well as to ladies. Both boys and girls should show special respect to any old person they may meet. The salutation should always be in a pleasant and friendly tone of voice. The face should show respect to acquaintances, and cordiality to friends. The name should be added to the salutation, as “Good-morning, Mr. A.” Never give the salutation as if it were a question. Never greet any one by “Halloa.”
3. If a gentleman is walking or driving with a lady acquaintance, he should take off his hat to any lady whom she recognizes.
4. When a lady accidentally drops anything in the street, any gentleman near, whether an acquaintance or not, should pick it up and hand it to her. The lady should not fail to acknowledge the courtesy. As the gentleman passes on, he should touch his hat to the lady. This civility of picking up things or assisting in any way should be shown to elderly and infirm people by girls as well as by boys.
5. It is impolite to turn and look at people after they have passed. It is rude to stare at them if peculiar in dress or manner. Special care should be taken not to stare at the deformed or unfortunate. Put yourself in their places and think how you would like to be treated.
6. It is considered impolite for people to gather in groups or crowds on the sidewalk and to obstruct the way. If two people meet who wish to converse with each other, one should turn and walk in the direction in which the other is going. It is not considered proper to stop for conversation on the street.
7. It is not the custom of well-bred people to chew gum, nor to eat fruit, nuts, or anything else, on the street.
8. One of the rudest things a boy or girl can do is to call out to a teacher or other person on the street. It is only the most ill-bred who will do it. The law can punish for it.
9. If a stranger inquires the way, take great pains to direct him, even if it requires some effort.
10. When in street cars or steam cars, if seats are lacking, it is the rule that gentlemen give up their seats to ladies. Ladies should not fail to thank gentlemen for this kindness.
Whenever any attention is shown a lady, such as opening or closing a window, taking bundles from the racks, etc., the lady should politely acknowledge it, and the gentleman should touch his hat as he turns away.
No one should occupy more room than is necessary, if by so doing others are deprived of a seat.
[Chapter XVI.]
TABLE MANNERS.
LESSON 9.
Purpose.—To show the importance of good table manners.
Method.—An item read with or without comment or questions asked.
The Lesson.
Perhaps the question of how to eat is not of quite the importance as what to eat, but in some particulars pertaining to the laws of health the two are of equal rank. How to eat is of much more importance than many young people think, inasmuch as it is a certain test of delicacy and refinement. If a person eats immoderately fast, no one truly refined will set him down as a gentleman. If one defies the regulations which society has made relative to table manners, he is classed as decidedly ill-bred or ignorant. It is well to study the etiquette of the table, and to put in use those practices that have been decided by the best society as being proper.
Questions.—Should the rules of society as to table manners be disregarded? What does a lack of good table manners indicate? Are table manners indicative of character?