any lady who receives such a favor should feel under special obligations, and promptly return her thanks to the donor. The neglect of such an acknowledgment is a mark of very bad breeding.

The talkative and restless.-The signs that distinguish rude pupils in school are the very same that mark the impolite at the concert. They talk and chatter and simper, to the intense disgust and annoyance of the really discriminating and intelligent portion of the audience. Well-bred persons pay more respect to the rights and feelings of their neighbors than to indulge their own selfishness in that manner. The cracking and eating of nuts, and the rustling of fans, programmes, and dresses are all exhibitions of thoughtless rudeness, and are unbecoming in a place devoted to literary or musical culture.

The opening.-Young folks, on such occasions, are sometimes excited. They lose their self-possession, and become impatient for the exercises to begin. Feeling in this condition, they offend against good taste by whistling, cat-calling, and shouting. Such exhibitions of vulgarity do not distinguish refined and polished people, and always give offense to the better and more cultivated portion of the audience.

Approbation.-If the sentiments of the speaker or performer are agreeable, we may approve them by the clapping of hands for his encouragement, but if they do not meet our approbation, we need not offend others by hissing or giving other evidences of disapproval. We must bear in mind that every man and woman has a right to express opinions in this country, and if we do not like them we are not compelled to hear them; but if we go to learn, it is our duty to

How do rude people act during the exercises? Do bad school habits lead to impoliteness elsewhere? How do well-bred people act in this respect? How should young people act before the exercises commence? How shall we approve the exercises? If we can not approve, have we a right to offend by our disapproval? Why?

listen patiently and forbearingly. Stamping is a very objectionable form of applause, since it usually raises a dust, that is very disagreeable to the audience.

Going out. It frequently happens in concerts and other entertainments of a similar character, that the programme is divided into two or three parts, in order to rest the performers, or to give the audience an opportunity to talk and shift their seats. This relaxation is enjoyable in proportion as the attention has been closely riveted upon the performance. At such times it is very bad taste for young men to get up and leave the room. The impression will be left on the minds of many that they are going out to get some stimulus, which will enable them to endure the remainder of the programme. If the conjecture is true, it is not to their credit that they can not sit a few hours without drinking; if untrue, the appearance of such indulgence will be prevented by their retaining their seats.

Company. It is one of the rudest breaches of politeness for a lady to intimate to a gentleman that she would be pleased to have him escort her to any public entertainment, especially where tickets are to be purchased. Such conduct would place her under a very unpleasant sense of obligation, and may be the cause of much embarrassment to the gentleman. He may have other plans which will be disturbed by such an invitation, or, if he be in limited circumstances, the loss of the money may prove a serious inconvenience. If he gives the lady an invitation, it rests with her to accept it, or respectfully to decline.

No young lady will accept such politeness without the approbation of her family and friends, since it is probable. that they have better opportunities of knowing whether all

Why is stamping objectionable? Why is the programme divided? Why should young men not go out? Is it polite for a lady to hint to a gentleman to attend her? Why? Why is it well for a young lady always to consult her friends before accepting an invitation?

the circumstances are suitable. Before the hour appointed, the young gentleman should call at her residence, when she, anticipating his coming, should be ready, without delay, to accompany him. Sometimes young ladies are very inconsiderate. Although they are aware they will be called for, they postpone their preparation until it is so late that they lose much of their pleasure in their hurry, or mortify their friends by coming late.

If a lady declines to accompany a young gentleman, she should not mention it under any circumstances. It is very unbecoming, when he is so polite as to offer her a kindness, that she should add an insult to the refusal by telling it. A real lady is never boastful of her ability to win admiration, and, much less, should she be willing to triumph over those whose attentions she has declined. On entering the place of amusement, the gentleman should precede the lady, secure a seat for her, and not let her hunt one for herself. It is extremely indelicate for a lady ever to suggest that a gentleman should make a purchase of any luxury, as fruit, nuts, or refreshing drink, although it would be proper to request him to procure a glass of water. The latter, generally, could be easily obtained by a little personal effort, which he would gladly make; while the former might cost what he could ill afford to spend.

The return. When the exercises are over, the gentleman should accompany the lady to her home. If the hour is suitable, the lady may invite him into the house; but, if it is too late, she should say, very frankly: "It is too late to invite you to come in, but I shall be pleased to have you call again." It is very unbecoming for young people to

Why should the young lady always be ready at the time appointed? If a lady declines an invitation, why is it impolite to mention it? Has a lady a right to wound the feelings of one whom she may not admire? Does a lady ever boast of her admirers? Why should the gentleman always secure the lady a seat? Should a lady suggest the purchase of any luxury for herself? May a lady ask for a glass o** water? When may the lady invite the gentleman into her house?

M. M.-19

stand at the gate to converse, and may give rise to unpleasant remarks. No young lady can be too careful to prevent the appearance of any familiarity that may not seem to be sanctioned by her parents and friends. If the gentleman enters the house, he should be too prudent to prolong his stay beyond a proper hour, and thus “wear out his welcome.” Such thoughtlessness may interfere very seriously with the arrangements of the household, and prove a real trespass upon the time and good nature of the lady herself.

CHAPTER XL.

GALLANTRY.

One of the distinguishing features of our times is the respect that is shown to woman. The lowest civilization exhibits the female as degraded and oppressed; treated like a beast of burden, and made entirely dependent upon man; while the condition of society in which we live is made remarkable by the fact that she is recognized as the equal of man, socially and religiously, and fit to be his trusted friend and counselor. Her claims to the best education are respected, so that she may become intellectually as great as her industry, her capacity, and her ambition will allow. There is no limit to woman's influence for good or evil. What she is fitted to do she may accomplish, and every day her ability is demonstrated in new and hitherto untried fields of exertion.

Is it polite or prudent to stand outside? How long may a gentleman remain? What is the subject of Chapter XL? What distinguishes this age from former ages? What is the condition of woman with us? What is said of the education of women?

Home. The place above all others in which woman's inspiration is happiest and best is as wife, mother, sister, or friend, at home. It is there in these relations that we learn to know her best and love her most. For young men to reverence the sex is but to pay a tribute of love to the influence of their own mothers. The highest compliment that can be offered a young man is that he is a tender, devoted son and brother, and the worthiest sentiment that can be uttered in praise of a woman is that she inspires a son or a brother with such respect and affection.

The roughs.-There is a class of young men who affect. a contempt of the female sex; who speak disrespectfully of their mothers, and treat their sisters with derision. The condition of such persons is not to be envied, as they are losing the happiest, purest, and most elevating influences of life. A brother and sister whose ages are nearly equal should always associate together. It ought to be a matter of principle with them that one should never accept a social invitation which had not been extended to the other. Each will be a protection and an assistance to the other. Each should defer to the other's comfort, convenience, and tastes. Common interests and desires would make such companionship a source of constant and unfailing happiness. Happy the brother who has a gentle, kind, devoted sister, whose confidence is his safeguard, and thrice happy the sister who can command the affectionate attention of an honorable and virtuous brother.

The gentleman.-A gentleman is always distinguished by his respectful attentions to women. He never utters a word concerning the sex which his own mother would blush

Where is the place in which woman's influence is best felt? What is the highest compliment that can be paid a young man? What to a woman? Who are they who speak disrespectfully of women? How should a brother and sister treat each other? Why? What influences may brother and sister exert over each other? How is a gentleman always distinguished? In language? In manners?