If you have a cane, keep it in your hand, and be careful not to make much noise with your boots.
When a new visitor enters a drawing-room, if it be a gentleman, the ladies bow slightly; if a lady, every one rises.
Beware of asking the hour, or of taking out your watch during a visit; avoid spitting on the floor—your pocket-handkerchief will serve your purpose. To place your hat on any article of furniture when you enter a room is ungenteel; to lay it on a bed is unpardonable. You must hold it in your hand, or leave it with your over-coat in the anteroom. Crossing the legs, and stretching them out at full length, are equally improper.
The last arrival in a drawing-room takes a seat left vacant near the mistress of the house.
A lady is not required to rise on receiving a gentleman, nor to accompany him to the door.
If you are invited to lay down your hat, place it beside, not before you.
A young man will avoid sitting in an arm-chair—which should always be awarded to the ladies or old gentlemen present. Leave the seat next the fire to superiors in age or position. The children of the family should assist their parents in receiving visitors, relieve the ladies of their wrappings, provide seats, and accompany to the door.
Never look about you in a room, as if you were making an inventory.
The gloves should not be removed during a visit. To brush your hat with your hand will expose you to the charge of extreme vulgarity.