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The Upper Rhine : Mayence to the Lake of Constance
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202

DOMESTIC MANNERS Ol" THE PUUSSIANS.

as noble consciousness. This is the look to excite confidcnceand affection.

" (2.) The firm look, whicli can mcet tlie gaze of other menwith composure. It shows firmness and sincerity of character,as well as manly courage, determination, and truthfulness.

"(3.) The modest look. This displays our own humilityorgratitude for a past favour. It always wins tlie lieart.

" (4.) The friendly look, by wliicli we express our regard for •a person. Tliis makes us agreeable and beloved.

"(5.) The cheerful look, from which all gloominess andmelancholy are banished. It shows contentment of mind, andoften speaks more than the most impassioned conversation.

" These are the five looks," adds the author, " which oneshould cultivate. By them we can win the hearts of others,and, therefore, we should work hard to become perfect in theiruse."

To us, however, such " looks" are simply acted lies — facialfalsities that wouldreduce politeness to mere elegant hypocrisy.True politeness, on the contrary, it appears to us, Springs froma consideration for the feelings of others, and all its best formsarise out of an indisposition to wound, as well as a desire toplease those with whom we may happen to be associated.But such as would endeavour to uphold cheats and tricksas grace of manner—and that merely with the view of pro-moting our own interest by their use—are not only ignorant ofwhat good manners really consist, but would degrade thatwhich, when rightly viewed, is strictly the Christianity ofevery-day life—the assumption of an air of loving-kindness —into the artifices and snares of that counterfeit " gentleman"the "Prince of Darkness."