No Holds Barred As bitter words of recrimination fly round
the capitals of Europe, it is hardly any comfort to be told that the an pair system causes 'much international bad feeling' and 'has become quite the worst example of British bad manners.' So I learn from the Etiquette Handbook by Miss Barbara Cartland (Hamlyn, 5s.). As one clumsily lacking her gift for social success, I was chastened to read that 'the child who receives no training in etiquette and good manners will grow up a primitive savage and an intolerable bore.' But it's never too late to learn, and I shall long be grateful to Miss Cartland for her discreet hints on entertaining the Queen in my house, on tipping my chauffeur, and, of course, giving away the prizes at a flower show. I shall never forget that 'attempts at smuggling are both rude and unwise'; though I still cannot understand why it is so necessary that `the man should open the windows before he gets into bed with his wife.' As befits the author of A Virgin in Mayfair, Miss Cartland is saddened by our declining moral standards: 'conventions as regards engaged couples do exist,' she tells us, 'although unfortu- nately they are too often ignored.' Not surpris- ingly, Miss. Cartland does not try to answer her own question: 'Do you know where to draw the line?' She does, however, instruct us that 'in the act of love there should be no barriers, no restrictions.'
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