Page:Side talks with girls (1895).djvu/167

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The Girl who Goes A-visiting
155

were at home. There is a dainty cover on the dressing-table, and, being a well-bred girl, you will not stain that with perfumery, nor scorch it by being careless with the lamp that heats your curling tongs. You will remember that your first duty is to be as neat as possible in the room which has been dedicated to you. If you are visiting where only one servant is kept you will be wise and kind, if, without being asked, you take care of your own room, so making yourself of as little trouble as possible. It may be that at home you are a bit lazy, but here it is your duty to be perfectly prompt, especially at the breakfast-table, but you must not appear until you know that that meal is ready. A well-bred girl never keeps a table waiting, and never, by word or manner, suggests that at her own home the hours are different, or possibly more convenient. For the time being she is a member of the house in which she is staying, and the member who takes the greatest amount of care in being courteous.

THE TIME TO DISAPPEAR

It always comes—that time when it is wise to leave one's hostess to herself. You may argue and say, "But she asked me to come and see her." So she did, but she didn't ask you to live with her and to be a burden on her hands at all times and hours. Have a bit of fancy-work or a book