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One might well say that mankind is divisible into two great classes: hosts and guests. (Davis Bette)
Whoever is admitted or sought for, in company, upon any other account than that of his merit and manners, is never respected there, but only made use of. We will have such-a-one, for he sings prettily; we will invite such-a-one to a ball, for he dances well; we will have such-a-one at supper, for he is always joking and laughing; we will ask another because he plays deep at all games, or because he can drink a great deal. These are all vilifying distinctions, mortifying preferences, and exclude all ideas of esteem and regard. Whoever is had (as it is called) in company for the sake of any one thing singly, is singly that thing, and will never be considered in any other light; consequently never respected, let his merits be what they will. (Davis Bette)
Visitors are insatiable devourers of time, and fit only for those who, if they did not visit, would do nothing. (Davis Bette)
My evening visitors, if they cannot see the clock should find the time in my face. (Davis Bette)
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Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days. (Davis Bette)
When any one of our relations was found to be a person of a very bad character, a troublesome guest, or one we desired to get rid of, upon his leaving my house I ever took care to lend him a riding-coat, or a pair of boots, or sometimes a horse of small value, and I always had the satisfaction of finding he never came back to return them. (Davis Bette)
A civil guest will no more talk all, than eat all the feast. (Davis Bette)
A guest never forgets the host who had treated him kindly. (Davis Bette)
To be an ideal guest, stay at home. (Davis Bette)
Making a long stay short is a great aid to popularity. (Davis Bette)
Nobody can be as agreeable as an uninvited guest. (Davis Bette)
The first day, a guest; the second, a burden; the third, a pest. (Davis Bette)
Superior people never make long visits. (Davis Bette)
No one can be so welcome a guest that he will not annoy his host after three days. (Davis Bette)
Every guest hates the others, and the host hates them all. (Davis Bette)
Fish and guests smell at three days old. (Davis Bette)
Frank Harris has been received in all the great houses -- once! (Davis Bette)
“If my guests do not like it here, I suggest they accompany you to the nursery... where I am sure you will all feel more at home.” (Davis Bette)
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