Page:Advice to young ladies on their duties and conduct in life - Arthur - 1849.djvu/152

144 one side of which had its complement of six, while upon the other side four ladies had spread themselves out, from end to end of the seat, not one of whom would move an inch to make place for another, who had an absolute right to a part they were ungenerously occupying? It is usually a matter of indifference whether the new passenger be a lady or a gentleman; no offer of a seat is made, and the passenger has to retire, while the owners of the vehicle are wronged out of a portion of their profits.

All these things are noticed in a moment by gentlemen, and form subjects of remark among them. Some, with more independent firmness than others, make it a rule never to yield their rights to any woman who thus rudely demands a deference to her convenience; while to a true lady they voluntarily render every attention, and yield every preference.

Young ladies should, on entering society, learn to think correctly, that they may act correctly, in all matters relating to their intercourse with gentlemen. By always remembering that they have no real title to a preference in every thing, they will be sure to receive with a proper feeling, and a proper acknowledgment of the kindness, all polite attentions and preferences that are accorded to them by the other sex.