Page:Advice to young ladies on their duties and conduct in life - Arthur - 1849.djvu/149

Rh said to them, and the manner of saying it, with the construction placed upon both words and manner, you would almost be tempted to seal your lips in silence when again in company. In matters like this, the vanity of some young men causes them to see far more than ever existed. Be modest, thoughtful, and rather reserved than free in your manner; repel with coldness and silence all familiarity; take but little part in sentimental conversations, if introduced, and repress any free expression of admiration for poetry, starlight, and moonshine, no matter how strong you may feel it; be careful how you compliment a young man’s appearance, his manners, or his talents; and, above all, let your intentions and thoughts be right, and you need not fear any serious misjudgment of your feelings or character.

Among the errors which young ladies are very prone to commit is one that all men notice, and which some men feel to be very annoying, especially as the error, in too many cases, is one that mature years does not seem to correct. In this country, politeness, deference, and attention to ladies, are considered cardinal virtues among well-bred men. The best places at table, the most comfortable seats in public conveyances, the most delicate and choice viands at a