dress, by the absence of cleanliness, or by indulging in repulsive
habits. The slovenly, dirty person, by rendering himself physically
disagreeable, sets the tastes and feelings of others at defiance, and
is rude and uncivil, only under another form.

7. THE BEST SCHOOL OF POLITENESS.--The first and best school of
politeness, as of character, is always the home, where woman is the
teacher. The manners of society at large are but the reflex of the
manners of our collective homes, neither better nor worse. Yet, with
all the disadvantages of ungenial homes, men may practice self-culture
of manner as of intellect, and learn by good examples to cultivate a
graceful and agreeable behavior towards others. Most men are like so
many gems in the rough, which need polishing by contact with other and
better natures, to bring out their full beauty and lustre. Some have
but one side polished, sufficient only to show the delicate graining
of the interior; but to bring out the full qualities of the gem, needs
the discipline of experience, and contact with the best examples of
character in the intercourse of daily life.

8. CAPTIOUSNESS OF MANNER.--While captiousness of manner, and the
habit of disputing and contradicting every thing said, is chilling and
repulsive, the opposite habit of assenting to, and sympathizing
with, every statement made, or emotion expressed, is almost equally
disagreeable. It is unmanly, and is felt to be dishonest. "It may seem
difficult," says Richard Sharp, "to steer always between bluntness and
plain dealing, between merited praises and lavishing indiscriminate
flattery; but it is very easy--good humor, kindheartedness, and
perfect simplicity, being all that are requisite to do what is right
in the right way. At the same time many are impolite, not because
they mean to be so, but because they are awkward, and perhaps know no