"'By wearing dark clothes, preferably her old ones, an unassuming hat,
and no jewelry, the lady traveller may render herself inconspicuous and
not likely to attract masculine attention. In case of accident it is
allowable to accept assistance from anyone, though the train officials
are at all times to be preferred. If one desires to know what time it
is, how late the train is, how long the train will stop at the next meal
station, or when one is due at one's destination, the train officials
are the ones to ask.
"'Upon a long and tedious journey, however, or in case of many prolonged
delays, it is quite permissible to exchange a few words upon the weather
or some other topic of mutual interest with a fellow-passenger of the
same sex, whether she be travelling alone, or accompanied by her
husband.
"'Pleasant acquaintances are sometimes formed in this way, and it may
be entirely safe and proper, under certain circumstances, to accept
small courtesies from a gentleman who is travelling with his wife, such
as the brief loan of a newspaper or magazine, or information regarding
the scenery through which the train is passing when none of the train
officials are at hand.
[Sidenote: At the End of the Journey]
"'It is best, however, to be very careful, for it is much easier not to
begin friendly relations with one's fellow passengers than it is to
discontinue such relations after they have been once begun.
"'It is seldom necessary, or even advisable, to give one's name to
anyone except the officials of the train, but there can be no objection
to showing a fellow-passenger of the same sex one's name upon one's
ticket if polite relations have been established. This is better than
speaking the name aloud, which might cause embarrassment if it were
overheard, and carries with it no such social obligation as the exchange
of cards would do.
"'Arriving at her destination, the lady traveller should proceed at once
to her hotel or lodging-house, if no friend is to meet her, regardless
of the plans of her fellow passengers. If one should chance to meet any
of them afterward, a courteous inclination of the head, accompanied by a
bright smile, is sufficient recognition, or, if for any reason one
prefers not to recognise those with whom one has travelled, all that is
necessary is to appear not to see them.
[Sidenote: Appeal to the Conductor]
"'In case a gentleman should attempt to converse with the lady traveller
while the train is in motion or at rest, this same conduct meets the
exigencies of the situation admirably: simply do not appear to see him.
If, however, he continues to converse, turn to him, and say in a low,
well-controlled voice: "Sir, if you persist further in forcing your
unwelcome attentions upon me, I shall summon the conductor at once."
"'In most cases, the objectionable party will at once leave and the
interference of the conductor will not be required.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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