True humor, it should be remembered, is neither scathing nor insolent;
it is simply that bright repartee that someone aptly calls the "spice
of conversation." Hence it would be well to smother the temptation to
be witty at the expense of another, and crush back the brilliant but
cutting retort meant only to wound, not to amuse.

Evil Speaking.

Beware of evil speaking. In the eyes of all right-minded persons much
that you have said recoils upon your own head, for no one has quite
the same opinion of an individual after having listened to a series of
scandalous stories from his lips. Hence, for your own sake, as well as
for that of others, eschew the vice of evil speaking as a very
pestilence.

Let young ladies have a care how they speak lightly or contemptuously
of one another at any time, but more especially when conversing with
men. Nothing, as a rule, is more prejudicial to a woman, in the
estimation of a man, than this all-too-prevalent habit. No matter what
the faults of your sister-woman may be, condone them gently, or, if
this be impossible, let a silence that is golden fall about the
subject.

Unhesitatingly acknowledge a woman's beauty or talent, and, instead of
detracting from your own merits, it will enhance them in the eyes of
all. A young man was once heard by the writer counselling his sister
from the depths of his own experience as a social favorite. "Never,"
said he, "say one word against a girl to any young man. It only puts
you down in their estimation. Say something pretty and complimentary
about them if you can; if not, keep still." And his advice was words
fitly spoken, that are, indeed, "like apples of gold in pictures of
silver."

"Telling Stories."

Stories should never be introduced into general conversation unless
they meet several requirements. In the first place, they should be
short and well told. Secondly, they should be new to the company where
they are told. Nothing is more tiresome than listening to a twice-told
tale, though the height of good breeding is to smile over its
tediousness.

One way to avoid inflicting this martyrdom is to ask beforehand if any
one present has heard such and such a story. Then, in the third
place, it must be straight to the point, and directly called for as an
illustration of the case in hand.

[Illustration:

"SOCIETY IS QUICK TO TRACE
THE MAGIC OF A PLEASING FACE."]

Do not tell more than two or three stories or anecdotes in the