The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness Being a Complete Guide for a Gentleman's Conduct in All His Relations Towards Society...from the Best French, English, and American Authorities

Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER IV. ETIQUETTE IN THE STREET. A Gentleman will be always polite, in the parlor, dining-room, and in the street. This last clause will especially include courtesy towards ladies, no matte what may be their age or position. A man who will annoy or insult a woman in the street, lowers himself to a brute, no matter whether he offends by look, word, or gesture. There are several little forms of etiquetta, given below, the observance of which will mark the gentleman in the street. When walking with a lady, or with a gentleman who is older than yourself, give them the upper side of the pavement, that is, the side nearest the house. When walking alone, and you see any one coming towards you on the same side of the street, give the uppei part of the pavement, as you turn aside, to a man who may carry a heavy bundle, to a priest or clergyman, tp a woman, or to any elderly person. In a crowd never rudely push aside those who impede your progress, but wait patiently until the way is clear. If you are hurried by business of importance or an engagement, you will find that a few courteous words willopen the way before you more quickly than the most violent pushing and loud talking. If obliged to cross a plank, or narrow path, let any lady or old person who may also be passing, precede you. In case the way is slippery or in any way unsafe, you may, with perfect propriety, offer to assist either a a lady or elderly person in crossing it. Do not smoke in the street until after dark, and then remove your cigar from your mouth, if you meet a lady. Be careful about your dress. You can never know whom you may meet, so it is best to never leave the house otherwise than well-dressed. Bright colors, and much jewelry are both unbecoming to a gentleman in the street. Avoid...