HOW TO BEHAVE

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1611, 14 January 1903, Page 26

HOW TO BEHAVE

Tihe unconscious humourist, whose book on “The Gentle Art of Making Love” is greatly amusing, lias produced another volfume entitled “Etiquette for Men.” It is a kind of “Twentieth Century Lord Chesterfield,” but free from such reproach as the author of “Rasselas” levelled at that immortal work. The would-be man of fashion, like the leading character in the new London play, “What Would a Gentleman Do. ’ will probably find it useful to carry a copy about with him. It tells him how to comport himself at every kind of social function, at table, at a christening, at a wedding and at a funeral; how to dress, and even how to break an engagement. For instance, as the author says:—“lt is usually considered the lady’s place to break an engagement, but should circumstances arise Which make it necessary for you to put an end to it, it will be wisest to do so by letter, as being the least painful method to both.” That.letter, however, may figure in “the subsequent proceedings.” “Interviewing her father” provides some piquant reading. Fathers are notoriously unsympathetic in these matters. “Before giving his answer,' says our author, “he (that is, the father) will probably put you through a severe examination as to your ways and means, etc., which may be embarrassing to you, but is almost as embarrassing to him.' He may also kick you out of the hofuse, which would be more embarrassing still. The rules for dining are delicious. “It is better to avoid tilting • your soup plate, but if necessary to your happiness to do so then tilt it from you. That saving clause at any rate is some satisfaction.