No one should make himself conspicuous in company by loud laughing and talking. To make remarks intended to be overheard, especially remarks meant to be funny, is clownish,—and to be a society clown is a very low ambition.
We must not interrupt one who is speaking, and must pay attention to remarks addressed to the company. If a person is speaking to us we ought to listen attentively, even if we are not interested, and not hurt his feelings by letting our eyes wander from him or showing other signs of impatience. A good listener is as welcome in society as a good talker, and often more so, because every one who talks likes to be listened to with appreciative attention.
Those who have read "The Wide, Wide World" will remember an instance of little Ellen Montgomery's good-breeding in this respect, when she was visiting at Ventnor.
"Ellen is a fascinating child," said Mrs. Gillespie, "I cannot comprehend where she gets the manners she has. I never saw a more perfectly polite little girl."
"I have noticed the same thing often," said Miss Sophia. "Did you observe her last night when John Humphreys came in? You were talking to her at the moment. Before the door was opened, I saw her color come and her eyes sparkle, but she did not look towards him for an instant till you had finished what you were saying to her, and she had given, as she always does, her modest, quiet answer, and then her eye went straight as an arrow to where he was standing."
When any one is reading aloud, playing, or singing, we ought to give him the same close attention we would wish to receive if we were in his place. Talking or moving about at such times is unpardonably rude, and also looking at the clock as if we were impatient for the performer to finish.
We should never interrupt with questions or remarks a person engaged in reading or writing, and to look over the shoulder of one so employed is impertinent.
If letters are brought to us, we should not open and read them in company unless they require immediate attention, when we should ask to be excused for doing so.
We should give interested attention to books, pictures, views, or games shown us for our entertainment, and express pleasure and admiration when we can with truth. If an article or a letter is given us to read, we should not hand it back without remark, or begin to read something else, as is often done by people who ought to know better, but we should thank the one who showed it to us, speak of it politely, and if there is anything about it we can commend, do so.
If we have occasion to make an inquiry of a stranger, we should preface it with, "Excuse me," "Pardon me," or, "I beg your pardon," unless we use the simpler form, "Will you please tell me," in beginning our question.