Books upon Etiquette are useful, inasmuch as they expound the laws of polite society. Experience alone, however, can give effect to the
precise
manner in which those laws are required to be observed.
1986. Simple Hints
Whatever objections may be raised to the teachings of works upon etiquette, there can be no sound argument against a series of simple and brief hints, which shall operate as precautions against mistakes in personal conduct.
1987. No Gossip
Avoid intermeddling with the affairs of others. This is a most common fault. A number of people seldom meet but they begin discussing the affairs of some one who is absent. This is not only uncharitable, but positively unjust. It is equivalent to trying a
cause in the absence of the person implicated