doubled if they could manage to be less stiff and more elastic.  Gentleness in society, it has been truly said, “is like the silent influence of light which gives color to all nature; it is far more powerful than loudness or force, and far more fruitful.  It pushes its way silently and persistently like the tiniest daffodil in spring, which raises the clod and thrusts it aside by the simple persistence of growing.”

POLITENESS.

Politeness is kindness of manner.  This is the outgrowth of kindness of heart, of nobleness, and of courage.  But in some persons we find an abundance of courage, nobleness and kindness of heart, without kindness of manner, and we can only think and speak of them as not only impolite, but even rude and gruff.  Such a man was Dr. Johnson, whose rudeness secured for him the nickname of Ursa Major, and of whom Goldsmith truthfully remarked, “No man alive has a more tender heart; he has nothing of the bear about him but his skin.”  To acquire that ease and grace of manners which is possessed by and which distinguishes every well-bred person, one must think of others rather than of himself, and study to please them even at his own inconvenience.  “Do unto others as you would that others should do unto you”—­the golden rule of life—­is also the law of politeness, and such politeness implies self-sacrifice, many struggles and conflicts.  It is an art and tact, rather than an instinct and inspiration.  An eminent divine has said:  “A noble and attractive every-day bearing comes of goodness, of sincerity, of refinement.  And these are bred in years, not moments.  The principle that rules our life is the sure posture-master.  Sir Philip Sidney was the pattern to all England of a perfect gentleman; but then he was the hero that, on the field of Zutphen, pushed away the cup of cold water from his own fevered and parched lips, and held it out to the dying soldier at his side.”  A Christian by the very conditions of his creed, and the obligations of his faith is, of necessity, in mind and soul—­and therefore in word and act—­a gentleman, but a man may be polite without being a Christian.

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CHAPTER III.

Introductions.

An acquaintanceship or friendship usually begins by means of introductions, though it is by no means uncommon that when it has taken place under other circumstances—­without introduction—­it has been a great advantage to both parties; nor can it be said that it is improper to begin an acquaintance in this way.  The formal introduction has been called the highway to the beginning of friendship, and the “scraped” acquaintance the by-path.

PROMISCUOUS INTRODUCTION.

There is a large class of people who introduce friends and acquaintances to everybody they meet, whether at home or abroad, while walking or riding out.  Such promiscuous introductions are neither necessary, desirable, nor at all times agreeable.