The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness / A Complete Hand Book for the Use of the Lady in Polite Society

To be able to converse really well, you must read much, treasure in your memory the pearls of what you read; you must have a quick comprehension, observe passing events, and listen attentively whenever there is any opportunity of acquiring knowledge.

"A lady is never so well dressed as when you cannot remember what she wears."

who hear them. This would make them consider whether what they speak be worth hearing; whether there be either wit or sense in what they are about to say; and whether it be adapted to the time when, the place where, and the person to whom, it is spoken."