8. Demonstrations of affection are out of place in company or anywhere else in public. Girls should not sit or walk with their arms about each other, or clasp hands, or lean against each other. A gushing manner is silly and impolite.
9. Reading to one’s self in company is not excusable. Reading aloud is still worse, unless by special request.
10. When strangers are to be presented to each other, the directions are as follows: Gentlemen should be presented to ladies (as, Miss B., allow me to present Mr. C.), young men to elderly men, young women to elderly women. People who have been introduced should make some conversation with each other, and not turn rudely away without a word.
11. When people make calls they should inquire at the door for those whom they wish to see. They should also send in their names if unknown to the one who comes to the door. When callers enter a room, persons in the room not inquired for should soon leave. No member of the family should enter the room when one is receiving calls unless it is very necessary, and then an apology should be offered.
[Chapter XVIII.]
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
1. Never enter a private room without rapping. Never look over a person’s shoulder when he is reading or writing. Never read what is designed for another person only. Be courteous in thought as well as in act.
2. Take good care of borrowed articles, and return them in reasonable time. Never lend borrowed articles. It is proper for the one who borrows to return the article in person or to send by a servant. To compel the owner to send for his property is a gross violation of good manners.