by Cecil B. Hartley (Author)

The young man who makes his first entrance into the world of society, should know how to choose his friends, and next how to conduct himself towards them. Experience is, of course, the best guide, but at first starting this must come second hand, from an older friend, or from books. You may set it down as a rule, that as you treat the world, so the world will treat you. Remember, "once a gentleman always a gentleman," and be sure that you can so carry out the rule, that in your most careless, joyous moments, when freest from the restraints of etiquette, you can still be recognizable as a gentleman by every act, word, or look. To make your politeness part of yourself, inseparable from every action, is the height of gentlemanly elegance and finish of manner.