Quotes About Propriety

La morale è una convenzione privata; il decoro è una faccenda pubblica.

There is an aptness, a propriety, a fitness in these things which one can understand perhaps better than explain.

Whereupon not only did Isabel enter the room, but at the same time Mrs. Boncassen most discreetly left it. It must be confessed that American mothers are not afraid of their daughters.

I dare say, and as it doesn't displease me all is well. You, however, have quite sense enough to understand, that in this house more is thought of—of—of— he would have said blood, but that he did not wish to hurt her,—more is thought of personal good conduct than of rings and jewels.

For well-bred people do not, after all, care to read about the social gaffes of others.

That's wrong, Mrs. Winning was thinking, you mustn't ever talk about whether people like you, that's bad taste.

Some things are private. I mean, we're grown-ups now. You don't share everything.

Ach, wie anständig finden wir uns doch, wenn wir keinen Anlass haben, unanständig zu sein!

Has no one ever taught you it is rude to pry?' 'Would you rather I sneaked about, ferreting things out? Of course not. 'Twould be most distasteful. All in all, I'd rather be thought rude than artful.

Don't you mean to lecture me on the evils of illicit relationships?' 'No. I am quite certain you are aware of the disagreeable consequences if the /ton/ were to discover your activities. But I have found that occasionally a small peccadillo that harms no one can be conducive to a cheerful disposition.

I don't do any vulgar movements.

One of the most important rules of the science of manners is an almost absolute silence in regard to yourself.

I think any man in business would be foolish to fool around with his secretary. If it's somebody else's secretary, fine.

When did you last have fun being dignified?

Madame Altamont was leaving for a holiday. With her characteristic concern for propriety and orderliness, she emptied her refrigerator and gave the left-overs to the concierge: two ounces of butter, a pound of fresh green beans, two lemons, half a pot of redcurrant jam, a dab of fresh cream, a few cherries, a port of milk, a few bits of cheese, various herbs, and three Bulgarian-flavour yoghurts.

Randall laid his hand on Stella's, but only to remove it from his sleeve. My precious, you really must have some regard for my clothes, he said with gentle reproach. Much as I love you, I cannot permit you to maul this particular coat.

Has no one ever told you that it is the height of impropriety to kiss any gentleman, unless you have the intention of accompanying him immediately to the altar?

That's what you think of me, is it, girl? said his lordship, a glint in his eyes. Oh, no! she responded, dropping him a curtsy. It's what I say , sir! You must know that my featherheaded Mama has taught me to behave with all the propriety in the world! To tell you what I think of you would be to sink myself quite below reproach!

Levity was ever your besetting sin,' he said severely. 'Let me tell you that it is not at all becoming in a female! It leads you into talking a deal of improper nonsense.

That Hugh's presence within walking distance of Biddenden Manor might not be conducive either to his happiness or to his self-esteem he did not allow to weigh with him, for he was a man with a strong sense of propriety, and he knew that it was his duty to feel affection for all his brothers and sisters.

One of a guardian's privileges is to be seen talking to his ward without occasioning remark,' he said. 'I can assure you he has not many.' She set her hand on the stair-rail, preparing to follow Lady Jersey. She looked a little arch. 'Is your position as my guardian so painful, sir?' 'It is a damnable position,' he said deliberately, and turned away, leaving her staring.

The Lady Serena, never remarkable for propriety, stared incredulously, and exclaimed: 'What in the world brings you here, I should like to know?' 'So should I!' retorted his lordship. 'How well we should have suited, Serena! So many ideas as we have in common!

Tiffany?' exclaimed Mrs Underhill incredulously. 'Why, she's got no more notion of propriety than the kitchen cat!

Lady Mablethorpe shuddered. 'Is she dreadful?' 'She is an impudent strumpet!' said Mr. Ravenscar coldly.