If upon the entrance of a visitor you continue a conversation
begun before, you should always explain the subject to the
new-comer.

If there is any one in the company whom you do not know, be
careful how you let off any epigrams or pleasant little
sarcasms. You might be very witty upon halters to a man whose
father had been hanged. The first requisite for successful
conversation is to know your company well.

We have spoken above of the necessity of relinquishing the
prerogative of our race, and being contented with recipient
silence. There is another precept of a kindred nature to be
observed, namely, not to talk too well when you do talk. You
do not raise yourself much in the opinion of another, if at
the same time that you amuse him, you wound him in the nicest
point,--his self-love. Besides irritating vanity, a constant
flow of wit is excessively fatiguing to the listeners. A
witty man is an agreeable acquaintance, but a tiresome
friend. "The wit of the company, next to the butt of the
company," says Mrs. Montagu, "is the meanest person in it.
The great duty of conversation is to follow suit, as you do
at whist: if the eldest hand plays the deuce of diamonds, let
not his next neighbour dash down the king of hearts, because
his hand is full of honours. I do not love to see a man of
wit win all the tricks in conversation."

In addressing any one, always look at him; and if there are
several present, you will please more by directing some
portion of your conversation, as an anecdote or statement, to