No well-bred person would for a moment think of using a toothpick at the table, still less a fork or a pin in place of a toothpick.
No one, either a grown person or a child, should leave his seat until the lady of the house rises, unless there is good reason for doing so, when he should politely ask her to excuse him. In rising, the chair should not be pushed back from the table, but lifted quietly with the hands, and left in its proper position. Every movement at the table should be made with as little noise as possible. All moving of feet, leaning upon the table, jostling of dishes, or clatter of knives and forks, shows ignorance of table manners.
If we observe the manners and customs of others in society to which we have not been accustomed, we shall be often saved from blunders. If those in company with us make mistakes, we should be governed by the same rule as in case of accidents,--not take notice unless we can undo or cover the mistake. An incident is related of a certain king which illustrates this true politeness.
At the royal table on one occasion were two ladies from an obscure provincial town who were unused to the customs of city and court. When tea was brought in they poured some from the cup into the saucer to cool it. The king saw a smile go around the table at their expense, and, with politeness worthy of a king, he hastened to pour his own tea into the saucer, upon which every person at the table felt obliged to follow the royal example, and the two strangers were spared the mortification of discovering that they had done anything unusual.
_Entering and taking leave._ _Removal of hat and care of wrappings._ _Various courtesies._ _Staring at or speaking of defects and infirmities._ _Treatment of accidents and mistakes._ _Whispering, laughing, and private conversation._ _Attention to one's dress or matters of toilet._ _Sitting still gracefully._ _Inattention to the company we are in._ _Introductions._ _Giving proper titles._ _Attention in conversation,--illustration._ _Attention to reading or music._ _Looking over another's shoulder._ _Reading letters._ _Interest in what is shown us._ _Asking questions of strangers._ _Contradicting statements._ _Doing our part._