The True Definition of a Gentleman

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Cecil B. Hartley is the male alter ego of Florence Hartley, author of The Ladies' Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness and The Ladies' Hand Book of Fancy and Ornamental Work.

Hints For Gentlemanly Deportment from The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness (G.G. Evans, Publisher, Philadelphia: 1874); being a complete guide for a gentleman's conduct in all his relations toward society. Containing rules for the etiquette to be observed in the street, at table, in the ball-room, evening party, and morning call; with full directions for polite correspondence, dress, conversation, manly exercises and accomplishments. From the best French, English and American authorities.

By Cecil B. Hartley

Excerpt from Chapter XI: p.198. One hundred hints for gentlemanly deportment

22. Perhaps the true definition of a gentleman is this: "Whoever is open, loyal, and true; whoever is of humane and affable demeanor; whoever is honorable in himself, and in his judgment of others, and requires no law but his word to make him fulfil an engagement; such a man is a gentleman, be he in the highest or lowest rank of life, a man of elegant refinement and intellect, or the most unpolished tiller of the ground."

Also here: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/39293/39293-h/39293-h.htm

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