“ A well-bred woman does nothing which shall make people talk of her. ”
 W. Somerset Maugham, The Painted Veil (1925). copy citation

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Author W. Somerset Maugham
Source The Painted Veil
Topic women breeding
Date 1925
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink https://www.gutenberg.org/files/64682/64682-h/64682-h.htm

Context

“and then, suddenly, after a few minutes of silence my mother said to me: 'I really cannot understand the conduct of your friend. I do not like this leaving without a word all those to whom she is so dear. The gesture is theatrical and offends my taste. A well-bred woman does nothing which shall make people talk of her. I hope that if ever you caused us the great sorrow of leaving us you would not take flight as though you were committing a crime.' "It was the moment to speak, but such was my weakness that I could only say:” source