Chapter XIV: Section VI: Politeness of Military Men

Military politeness has, as we know, some particular characteristics. Officers and soldiers do not uncover themselves on entering a church, if they are under arms; only, during the elevation of the host,[10] they raise the right hand to the front part of their helmet, cap, or shako.[11] When soldiers converse with their superiors, they constantly hold the edge of the hand to their forehead. On entering a drawing room, an officer lays down his sabre or his sword. It is not in good _ton_ for a man to present himself before ladies, in the uniform of the national guard, unless some circumstance excuses or authorises this liberty.

In a citizen's dress, officers may wear a black cravat.

If we are acquainted with military men, in addressing them, we call them only _general_, or _captain_; but it would be uncivil to give them the title of an inferior grade thus we should not say _lieutenant_.

[10] This has reference, of course, to Catholic countries only.

[11] A kind of military cap.