38. Think before you speak; pronounce not imperfectly, nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly.

39. When another speaks, be attentive yourself, and disturb not the audience. If any hesitate in his words, help him not, nor prompt him without being desired; interrupt him not, nor answer him till his speech be ended.

40. Treat with men at fit times about business, and whisper not in the company of others.

41. Make no comparisons; and if any of the company be commended for any brave act of virtue commend not another for the same.

42. Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. In discoursing of things you have heard, name not your author always. A secret discover not.

43. Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach to those that speak in private.

44. Undertake not what you cannot perform; but be careful to keep your promise.

45. When you deliver a matter, do it without passion and indiscretion, however mean the person may be you do it to.

46. When your superiors talk to anybody, hear them; neither speak nor laugh.

47. In disputes be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to each one to deliver his opinion, and submit to the judgment of the major part, especially if they are judges of the dispute.

48. Be not tedious in discourse, make not many digressions, nor repeat often the same matter of dis

course.

49. Speak no evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

50. Be not angry at table, whatever happens; and if you have reason to be so show it not; put on a cheerful countenance, especially if there be strangers for good humor makes one dish a feast.

51. Set not yourself at the upper end of the table; but if it be your due, or the master of the house will have it so, contend not, lest you should trouble the company.

52. When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously, in reverence and honor, and obey your natural parents.

53. Let your recreations be manful, not sinful.

54. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

PRINCIPLES OF GOOD-BREEDING.

The principles of good-breeding are all founded in generosity. We must educate ourselves into those feelings which teach us to consult the welfare and comfort of others, and to bow ourselves to the restraints of honor. It is only by discipline and effort that we can attain to that elevation of charactBut high as the result may be, it is always obedient to those endeavors; and every man may take home to himself the assurance that time and toil will enable him to reach the last and loftiest

er.

conclusions in that department, and be honored and respected by all.

ATTENTION TO SMALL MATTERS.

An

There is nothing, however minute in manners, however insignificant in appearance that does not demand some portion of attention from a well-bred and highly-polished young man or woman. author of no small literary renown, has observed, that several of the minutest habits or acts of some individuals may give sufficient reasons to guess at their temper. The choice of a dress, or even the folding and sealing of a letter, will bespeak the shrew and the scold, the careless and the negligent.

TH

CHAPTER XVIII.

WASHINGTON ETIQUETTE

HE wife of the chief-justice, is the first lady in the land, and takes precedence of all others. She holds receptions and receives calls, but she alone is excluded from all duty of returning calls.

Next in rank comes the wife of the President.

SOCIAL DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT.

It is customary for the President to give several state dinners and official receptions during each session of Congress. Besides these, there are also general receptions, at which time the White House is open to the public and any citizen of the United States has the recognized right of paying his respects to the President.

PRESIDENTIAL RECEPTIONS.

On the days appointed for the regular "levees" the doors of the White House are thrown open, and the world is indiscriminately invited to enter them.

No special dress is required to make one's ap pearance at this republican court, but every one dresses according to his or her own taste or fancy. The fashionable carriage or walking-dress is seen side by side with the uncouth homespun of the backwoodsman and his wife.

Nor are there any forms or ceremonies to be complied with to gain admittance to the presidential presence. You enter, an official announces you, and you proceed directly to the President and his wife and pay your respects. They exchange a few words with you, and then you pass on, to make room for the throng that is pressing behind you. You may loiter about the rooms for a short time, chatting with acquaintances or watching the shifting panorama of faces, and then go quietly out, and the levee is ended for you.

PRIVATE CALL UPON THE PRESIDENT.

If you wish to make a private call upon the President, you will find it necessary to secure the company and influence of some official or special friend of the President. Otherwise, though you will be readily admitted to the White House, you will probably fail in obtaining a personal interview.

SOCIAL DUTIES OF CABINET OFFICERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

The ladies of the family of a Cabinet officer should