In taking soup do not gurgle or make throat noises. Speak well of others or not at all is a good rule. 'The Art of Good Manners' covers such topics as table manners, pronunciation, introductions, conversation, courtship and children’s behaviour. It guides the reader in appropriate behaviour during each course at a dinner party and warns of possible pitfalls – ‘to peel an orange, apple or pear with a fruit knife and fork requires some practice’ – as well as explaining how a gentleman is expected to behave when ladies are present.