Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 101, September 12, 1891 by Various
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page 3 of 45 (06%)
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cigarette-makers in _Carmen_." Here he hums a short musical extract
from BIZET's Opera, then resumes--"Town's all alive--then, after dinner, back to business--evening time out to play, to _cafés_, to the Fair! God save the QUEEN!" "But there's nothing doing at night, as we saw when we arrived yesterday," I observe. "No," says DAUBINET; "it is an early place." Then he sings, "If you're waking"--he pronounces it "whacking"--"call me early, mothair dear!" finishing up with a gay laugh, and a guttural ejaculation in Russian; at least, I fancy it is Russian. "Ah! _voilà!_" We have pulled up before a very clean-looking and handsome _façade_. The carriage-gates are closed, but a side-door is immediately opened, and a neat elderly woman answers DAUBINET's inquiries to his perfect satisfaction. "VESQUIER _est chez lui. Entrez donc!_" We enter, profoundly saluting the porteress. When abroad, an Englishman should never omit the smallest chance of taking off his hat and bowing profoundly, no matter to whom it may be. Every Englishman abroad represents "All England"--not the eleven, but the English character generally, and therefore, when among people noted for their politeness, he should be absolutely remarkable for his courteous manners. As a rule, to which there can be no exception taken, never lose any opportunity of lifting your hat, and making your most polished bow. This, in default of linguistic facility, is universally understood and appreciated in all civilised countries. In uncivilised countries, to remove your hat, or to bow, may be taken as a gross outrage on good manners, or as signifying some horrible immorality, in which case the offender would not have the chance of repeating his well-intentioned mistake. But within the limits of Western enlightenment to bow is mere civility, |
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