" (2)
A man's manner, to a certain extent, indicates his character. It
is the external exponent of his inner nature. It indicates his
taste, his feelings, and his temper, as well as the society to
which he has been accustomed. There is a conventional manner,
which is of comparatively little importance; but the natural
manner, the outcome of natural gifts, improved by careful self-
culture, signifies a great deal.
Grace of manner is inspired by sentiment, which is a source of no
slight enjoyment to a cultivated mind. Viewed in this light,
sentiment is of almost as much importance as talents and
acquirements, while it is even more influential in giving the
direction to a man s tastes and character. Sympathy is the golden
key that unlocks the hearts of others. It not only teaches
politeness and courtesy, but gives insight and unfolds wisdom, and
may almost be regarded as the crowning grace of humanity.
Artificial rules of politeness are of very little use. What
passes by the name of "Etiquette" is often of the essence of
unpoliteness and untruthfulness. It consists in a great measure
of posture-making, and is easily seen through. Even at best,
etiquette is but a substitute for good manners, though it is often
but their mere counterfeit.
Good manners consist, for the most part, in courteousness and
kindness. Politeness has been described as the art of showing,
by external signs, the internal regard we have for others.
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