what ground of politeness or decency you are called upon to
yield your seat. _Etiquette,_ and the deference due to ladies
have, of course, no operation in the case of such persons.
Chivalry--(and the gentleman is the legitimate descendant of
the knight of old)--was ever a devotion to rank rather than
to sex. Don Quixotte, or Sir Piercy Shafestone would not
willingly have given place to servant girls. And upon
considerations of humanity and regard to weakness, the case
is no stronger. Such people have nerves considerably more
robust than you have, and are quite as capable of riding
backwards, or the top, as yourself. The only reason for
_politeness_ in the case is, that perhaps the other
passengers are of the same standing with the women, and might
eject you from the window if you refuse to give place.

If _ladies_ enter--and a gentleman distinguishes them in an
instant--the case is altered. The sooner you move the better
is it for yourself, since the rest will in the end have to
concede, and you will give yourself a reputation among the
party and secure a better seat, by rising at once.

The principle that guides you in society is politeness; that
which guides you in a coach is good humour. You lay aside all
attention to form, and all strife after effect, and take
instead, kindness of disposition and a willingness to please.
You pay a constant regard to the comfort of your. fellow-
prisoners. You take care not to lean upon the shoulder of
your neighbour when you sleep. You are attentive not to make
the stage wait for you at the stopping-places. When the
ladies get out, you offer them your arm, and you do the same