Fine Manners

1895

At the court of Marie Antoinette all emotions and passions were veiled by a mask of politeness. Even the children were taught to speak with wit and tact and courtesy and to bear pain in silence. The little Duc d'Angouleme, 8 years old, when the old Sanbrun entered his presence unexpectedly, said, touching the book in his hand: "Ah, monsieur, I am in the company of Plutarch's men. You could not come at a moment more apropos!"

The Count de Pallance, beheaded in his tenth year, stood erect and calm in the cart until he reached the guillotine. The headsman lifted his long curls. "Merci, monsieur," said the boy, with a bow and a smile. The next moment his head rolled in dust.

The man or woman who showed any signs of pretention or self conceit was not received at court. Profound deference was shown to women and to the aged. Well bred men heard of their own ruin with a bonmot and went out to fight each other to the death with such grace and courtesy that the duel seemed a sacrament of friendship. — Family Magazine.


Her Father's Say

He — What do you think your father would say if we were to run away and get married?
She — Really I don't know, but I imagine he would say I was a bigger fool than he thought I was. — Detroit Free Press.