Ladies should, after seating themselves, endeavor to draw their skirts into a space that will not crowd those seated beside them. To lean back in the chair is rude, and surely no gentleman would ever be guilty of tipping his chair at table. Sit erect, not stiffly, but in an easy position. Bread must always be broken, never cut, and certainly never bitten. If a plate is sent to you filled with the food you have selected, keep it, as others may not have the same choice; if the plate contain one dish, such as pie or pudding, you may pass it on to those beside you, and wait till others above you are served before reserving a plate for yourself. To eat very fast is inelegant; to eat very slowly bears an air of affectation. Try to preserve the happy medium. It is a good plan to accustom yourself to eat with the left hand, and thus avoid shifting your knife and fork from one hand to the other. A gentleman will always see that ladies are served before eating himself, Avoid making any noise on your plate with your knife and fork. It is against all rules of etiquette to soak up gravy with bread, to scrape up sauce with a spoon, or to take up bones with the fingers. Never cross the knife and fork on a plate until you have finished eating. Never hold your knife and fork erect in your hands at each side of your plate, when conversing at the table. Never ask for a second helping. It is the duty of those at the head and foot of the table to offer it. To blow soup to cool it, or to pour tea or coffee into a saucer for the same purpose, are acts of awkwardness never seen in polite society. Wait until they are cool enough to be pleasant. Use the salt-spoon, butter-knife, and sugar-tongs even when you are alone. If you want to cough, sneeze, or blow your nose, leave the table. If you have not time, turn away your head, and lean back in your chair. To pass a plate with a knife or fork upon it, or a cup with a spoon in it, are acts of rudeness. Put your spoon in the saucer, and your knife and fork on the table, until you are served. Never hurry away from the table as soon as you finish eating, if others remain to converse. If you are obliged to leave before a meal is finished or immediately after, ask to be excused for so doing, and apologize for the necessity. Never mention at the table any subject that is likely to disgust others. It is a piece of rudeness only too common, and is to be severely censured. Many who are utterly without affectation are really sensitive on such points, and their meal and comfort are both spoiled if disgusting associations are suggested at table. At home, if you use a napkin-ring, fold your napkin and replace it in the ring when you have done with it. If you are dining out, never fold your napkin, but place it beside your plate. None but a clown would use the table-cloth for a napkin, pick his teeth with his fork, put his fingers in his plate, or wipe his face with his napkin.