Would there was there a law compell
ing them to be well mannered at
home! If half the pains were taken
to be pleasant in domestic life that are
taken to charm strangers or indiffer
ent acquaintances, it would be a hap
pier, better world.
I do not think that people are aware
of having two distinct sets of manners,
and yet this quality has been the butt
of wit and caricature for many a year.
One set goes on with the best dress.
Good humor and care for the feelings
of others go with it. It is often ad
mired for its elegance and grace.
While the other sets in private lile,
home being considered a place to go
when you can go no where else, where
you can wear out your old clothes and
vent your ill tempers.
If any one thinks I am severe, let
them reflect a little while and they
will see that I am not overstraining the
disregard of ceremony usually shown
in the family circle.
The invitation to "make yourself at
home," is understood to mean, you
can dispense with collar, coat and po
liteness and sit with slippered feet in
the attitude of an American Congress
man, smoking anywhere in the house,
be unpunctual in short, be as unciv
ilized as you please. It would be an
admirable plan if each one who reads
this makes a solemn vow to take some
of these society manneis into home
life. For instance, you may have
been in the habit on reachii g home
to pick out the easiest chair and take
up a book or the evening paper and
read it through without saying a word
to your family.
