People's Pilot, Volume 4, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 September 1894 — HINTS FOR GIRLS. [ARTICLE]

HINTS FOR GIRLS.

A Tallt on Manners and Customs Observed at tho Dinner Table. To be a pleasing guest it is neoessary to do more than talk, and partioularly necessary to abstain from anything outre or uncalled for. A lady came to lunch the other day who is remarkable for a very tidy and well appointed table. After the meal she took her napkin by the four corners and shook the crumbs over her plate, then folded it carefully and laid it down as if it might serve another turn. The contents of the napkin did not fall however entirely on the plate, some of them reaching my teacup on tho opposite side of tho table. There is no necessity for a guest to fold the napkin after using. It should be left loosely on the table. I think tho most awkward course at a dinner table is the soup, and many young ladies cannot bo tempted to taste this appetizer from this very fact. To sit erect, yet not to spiU the savory drink, to take it from the further side of the plate with the further side of the spoon, to sip delicately from the side without noise, isan art worth attempting by our young lady novice. Leaving the table leisurely and not ia a huddled crowd is another difficult attainment. I once heard a remark made by a lady on leaving the table that would have brought about confusion but for the tact of tho hostess. The speaker called loudly: “You may be proud of your dinner, Mrs. Recherche; it was awfuUy nice.” The hostass smiling gravely said distinctly: “Thanks,” then led the way out with the guest, engaging her in deep conversation in order to draw attention from the uncalled-for remark, and at the &ime time not to disconcert the guest.—Christian at Work.