beauties in an uncut gem, but they lie unrevealed until the enveloping shell and all the shadows that stand between its core of loveliness and the world have been removed.

Q. When should I call another "friend"?

A. You should never be introduced to a person one day and present him as your friend the next. For instance, two young girls meet a third on the street. One says, "I want you to know my friend, Miss Robbins." The next day the same girl inquires, "How long have you known Miss Robbins?" "Oh, Dora introduced me to her yesterday at the matinee."

Q. What is the wise course?

A. Even when lonely and pining for companionship, be sufficient unto yourself for at least a week before admitting a stranger into your friendship. Let some time elapse before calling him "my dear friend.”

Q. Should I ask personal questions?

A. No; it is never in good taste.

Q. What have feminine friendships been likened to?

A. "Pretty bows of ribbon." The author of this saying evidently overlooked the Ruths and the Naomis, the Gwendolens and the Mildreds.

Q. Give an example of a conventional white lie.

A. Two persons are holding a conversation. A third comes in and recognizing the atmosphere of privacy, says, "I fear I am de trop" (in the way). One replies, "Oh, no, sit right down. We are glad to see you.' After she leaves, "Isn't it awful? Here we were trying to settle this matter and she has taken up all the time talking about her own affairs."

Q. What should have been done?

A. A frank avowal of the situation should have been made and a later time appointed for the visit. Such a course would have prevented embarrassment to the guest and saved the situation.

Q. What are the two deadly sins against social happiness and well being?

A. Thoughtlessness and selfishness.

Q. What makes society?

A. In its highest sense, it consists of men and women on a common plane of thought, silhouetted on a background of refinement. A crowd of well-dressed people does not constitute society. Manners recommend, prepare, and draw people together. In all clubs manners make the members. Manners make the fortune of ambitious youth. For the most part his manners marry him and for the most part he marries manners.

Q. What office should society perform?

A. It should punish and crucify the smallnesses and meannesses which the law cannot attack. Q. What may be said of social life?

A. "In its best estate a brilliant social life is essentially an external one. Its charm lies largely in its superficial graces, in the facial and winning manners, the ready tact, the quick intelligence, the rare and perishable gift of conversation, in the nameless trifles which are elusive as shadows and potent as light."

Q. In what does the art of conversation consist?

A. In making selection of what to say and what to leave unsaid.

Q. What is the basis of conversation?

A. While the discussion of acquaintances held in common is the basis of social converse, it is likely to degenerate into harmful gossip, which is always to be deplored.

Q. What are the requisites for conversation? A. An interesting subject and an agreeable voice, one properly pitched to the place, the time, the subject, and the persons present. Speaking out of tune in a conversation which causes irritation is a species of boredom. There is a certain state of mind which sometimes comes with

middle age termed " square toed." It shows itself in conversation frequently by an inability to converse with a stranger, especially with those of years less mature. Not to be interested in the young or to be unable to interest the young is a sad confession of narrowness and lack of that pearl of wisdom which increasing years are supposed to bring. The man or woman who can sincerely enter into the delights and life of young people, and who can obtain their confidence, is always to be envied and emulated. It is a prime antidote to selfishness.

Q. What stand should I take in regard to my opinions?

A. Have the courage of your convictions and do not fear to stand alone.

Q. Is it polite to argue?

A. Heated arguments and strenuous expressions of differing opinions are not admissible in social intercourse, though discourse and wellordered conversation are fairly the highest expression of intellectual endeavor. Controversial argument is not only forbidden, but it is absolutely profitless, when it has to do with a man's income or mode of life. This is no less true of inherited opinions in politics and religion, stif fened into prejudice, which will stand irremovable

in the face of all opposition. If intelligent opinions meet these or other prejudices, no possible good can result, and there may be some acrimony. In every case let there be an intelligent interchange of opinion, nothing more.

Q. What is my duty to strangers?

A. Be as polite to the whole world as you are to your own acquaintances. Observation of rudeness in this respect led Mrs. Julia Ward Howe to ask, "Is polite society polite?" eliciting a negative which required an essay for its expression. The manners in social intercourse of what is termed "the middle class " often put the deportment of our so-called " very best people" to

shame.

Q. Should your mental estimate of a stranger be evident through allowing your eyes to travel over each article of his apparel?

A. Never. It shows lack of good breeding.
Q. When should persons be introduced?

A. When the desire is mutual. At social gatherings those most important should show a disposition to be introduced to the other guests, thereby complimenting their hostess, instead of standing in the middle of the room to be gazed at. Too many guests insult their hostess by being indifferent, often rude, to other guests