Q — My laugh is strange, and it seems I cannot command my own will: I burst into guffaws until eyes fasten upon me in question and astonishment. Can this be changed?

A — Most of those who guffaw pay no heed to the effect, and so I admire your criticism of yourself and your readiness to change this simple habit. I am confident that you will improve yourself to a great degree; but you need to be careful in company, so replace the guffaw with a smile, unless you are truly merry. And when you are alone, practice the quiet laugh and take it as a lesson to drill yourself upon; soon your laugh will be light and your smile attractive.

Q — My brother's wife is skilled at knitting wool, and carries it with her wherever she goes. I once invited her to go with me to a literary lecture; she brought her work along, and that was nothing strange to me, for I was used to it — but my mother, who came with us, criticized what she did and counted it a lack of good breeding. I had never thought of it that way before, and I have come to ask you.

A — In my view there is truth in what your mother said, because full attention to what is being said, or listening to the speaker at a lecture, is a reflection of good manners. And you doubtless know that the half-attention which the wool-knitter gives while she counts the "stitches," concentrating entirely on keeping them right, does not allow her to listen fully. I agree that knitting wool is housework, and so it must be left there when you go out.

Q — Will you tell me what is the duty of the bride's family toward her new home? I have been told that I must provide my daughter with the linens and the kitchen utensils. We are eager to do our duty, since this is the first wedding in the family, and we do not know the extent of the expenses.

A — What you have said held true of life in years gone by; but today, with the modern development in thinking and the rise in the prices of furniture, the bride is no longer responsible for the linens or the furnishings. Those are given as presents to the bridal pair, and whatever furnishings remain for the kitchen and the other rooms, the couple likewise agree to buy out of their savings. Thus you and your husband remain responsible for buying the flowers and the refreshments for your daughter's wedding.

Q — Is a woman's smoking in the public street a breach of the moral code?

A — Smoking in a city street is not customary and should be avoided, although smoking on a road in the country is acceptable. Smoking has spread widely among ladies, and here they must beware of losing good taste in the timing of it.

Q — I am a man, and I have noticed several times a lady standing in the street talking to a man in a car while he sits at his ease inside; and likewise, sometimes the woman gets out of the car and the door is not opened for her. What is your opinion of these two situations?

A — Of course I prefer that the man get out of the car if he speaks with a lady; but if the conversation runs long, the more fitting thing is for them to sit in the car, where they can continue talking. As for the man getting out before the woman to open the car door for her, I prefer it when the road permits; but if the lane is crowded, he certainly will not be able to!