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Eliza Leslie Quotes

If a person begins by telling you, 'Do not be offended at what I am going to say,' prepare yourself for something that she knows will certainly offend you.

If a person begins by telling you, 'Do not be offended at what I am going to say,' prepare yourself for something that she knows will certainly offend you.

Eliza Leslie
Conversation, Persons, Knows
Eliza Leslie (1839). “Miss Leslie's Behaviour Book: A Guide and Manual for Ladies as Regards Their Conversation; Manners; Dress; with Full Instructions and Advice in Letter Writing [!]; Receiving Presents; Incorrect Words”, p.208

Flattery is praise without foundation.

Eliza Leslie
Foundation, Flattery, Praise
Eliza Leslie (1853). “The Behaviour Book: A Manual for Ladies”, p.247

On this earth there are many roads to heaven; and each traveller supposes his own to be the best. But they must all unite in one road at the last. It is only Omniscience that can decide. And it will then be found that no sect is excluded because of its faith.

Eliza Leslie
Heaven, Religion, Lasts
Eliza Leslie (1839). “Miss Leslie's Behaviour Book: A Guide and Manual for Ladies as Regards Their Conversation; Manners; Dress; with Full Instructions and Advice in Letter Writing [!]; Receiving Presents; Incorrect Words”, p.200

Gratitude is a very pleasant sensation, both for those who feel and to those who excite it. No one who confers a favor can say with truth that they 'want no thanks.' They always do.

Eliza Leslie
Gratitude, Favors, Want
Eliza Leslie (1839). “The Behaviour Book: a manual for ladies”, p.176

Recollect that to a woman who gets her living by her pen, 'time is money,' as it is to an artist. Therefore, encroaching on her time is lessening her income. And yet how often is this done (either heedlessly or selfishly) by persons professing to be her friends, and who are habitually in the practice of interrupting her in her writing hours.

Eliza Leslie
Writing, Artist, Often Is
Eliza Leslie (2011). “Selections from Eliza Leslie”, p.274, U of Nebraska Press

Many persons erroneously suppose that an author has always on hand an unlimited number of her own books; or that the publisher will kindly give her as many as she can want for herself and friends. This is by no means the case.

Eliza Leslie
Book, Mean, Numbers
Eliza Leslie (1839). “The Behaviour Book: a manual for ladies”, p.271

When in company with literary women, make no allusions to 'learned ladies,' or 'blue stockings,' or express surprise that they should have any knowledge of housewifery, or needle-work, or dress; or that they are able to talk on 'common things.' It is rude and foolish and shows that you really know nothing about them, either as a class or as individuals.

Eliza Leslie
Blue, Should Have, Class
Eliza Leslie (1839). “Miss Leslie's Behaviour Book: A Guide and Manual for Ladies as Regards Their Conversation; Manners; Dress; with Full Instructions and Advice in Letter Writing [!]; Receiving Presents; Incorrect Words”, p.259

Beaten biscuits: This is the most laborious of cakes, and also the most unwholesome, even when made in the best manner. We do not recommend it; but there is no accounting for tastes. Children would not eat these biscuits-nor grown persons either, if they can get any other sort of bread. When living in a town where there are bakers, there is no excuse for making Maryland biscuit. Believe nobody that says they are not unwholesome. . . . Better to live on Indian cakes.

Eliza Leslie
Children, Believe, Food

Avoid giving invitations to bores - they will come without.

Eliza Leslie
Giving, Bores, Giving In
Eliza Leslie (1839). “The Behaviour Book: a manual for ladies”, p.58

When you see persons slip down on the ice, do not laugh at them. ... It is more feminine on witnessing such a sight, to utter an involuntary scream than a shout of laughter.

Eliza Leslie
Laughter, Sight, Ice
Eliza Leslie (2016). “The Ladies' Guide to True Politeness and Perfect Manners”, p.25, Summersdale Publishers LTD - ROW

Ignorant people always suppose that popular writers are wonderfully well-paid - and must be making rapid fortunes - because they neither starve in garrets, nor wear rags - at least in America.

Eliza Leslie
America, People, Ignorant
Eliza Leslie (1839). “Miss Leslie's Behaviour Book: A Guide and Manual for Ladies as Regards Their Conversation; Manners; Dress; with Full Instructions and Advice in Letter Writing [!]; Receiving Presents; Incorrect Words”, p.259

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