It may be practised on small
means, and sweeten the lot of labour as well as of ease. It is
all the more enjoyed, indeed, when associated with industry and
the performance of duty. Even the lot of poverty is elevated
by taste. It exhibits itself in the economies of the household.
It gives brightness and grace to the humblest dwelling. It
produces refinement, it engenders goodwill, and creates an
atmosphere of cheerfulness. Thus good taste, associated with
kindliness, sympathy, and intelligence, may elevate and
adorn even the lowliest lot.
The first and best school of manners, 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 practise self-culture of manner as of
intellect, and learn by good examples to cultivate a graceful and
agreeable behaviour 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.
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