der any circumstances, open a private letter addressed to another.
If the one to whom it is addressed is near enough to give you
permission to open it, he can usually open it himself; if he is not by
to give permission, the letter should go to his legal representative,
who then acts according to the law.

Politeness as well as pity impel one to be especially polite to the
caller or visitor who is uncongenial, or stupid, or unattractive. By
even an excess of hospitality one should try to make up for the
inevitable slight which society always puts upon such a one.

Impartial courtesy is the right of all guests. The close friend and
the distant and far less welcome relative are entitled to equal
courtesy.

The holding of a grudge, and the failing to forgive a slight for which
apology has been made, are the height of discourtesy. It is invariably
true that the same spirit with which you mete out social slights will
be shown you in return. Resent each one, whether intentional or a mere
oversight, and you will surely crush the spontaneity out of all
attentions shown you, and be met only with distrust.

When applied to for a favor, if you intend to grant it, grant it
graciously and readily; if you intend to refuse, refuse with equal
civility even though firmly. None but the unmannerly will urge a
request when the slightest token of refusal has been given.

A gentleman may offer personal service to a lady, if there is need,
tying her shoe, or hooking or buttoning her dress, or doing any other
little act which she cannot herself do.

In a company of people, it is the height of rudeness to call attention
to the form or features or dress of any one present.

In using a handkerchief, always do so unobtrusively. At the dining
table it should be used very sparingly. Better retire than be
obnoxious to even the most fastidious.

Never look over the shoulder of any one who is reading or writing,
whether in the home, of in a car, or at a concert, or anywhere else.

Do not touch any one in order to arrest his attention, but address
him.

To lend a borrowed article is an appropriation of it which is next to
stealing, unless one has permission of the owner to do so.

Self-control in excitement of any sort is a most valuable trait. It
always makes for comfort of one's self and of others, and often for
safety.

Do not pass between two persons who are talking together, if
avoidable. If it is not, then apologize.

Never refuse