lapse of manners

[ovvpapatya]

She meant to see that her instructions were being obeyed. She frowned disapprovingly at the lapse of manners, but perhaps the stiff set of Rose’s shoulders discouraged her from commenting.

What does "lapse of manners" mean?

 

[birdeen's call]

Have you tried this?

 

[Raymott]

She meant to see that her instructions were being obeyed. She frowned disapprovingly at the lapse of manners, but perhaps the stiff set of Rose’s shoulders discouraged her from commenting.

What does "lapse of manners" mean?

"Manners" in this case means politeness, not a manner of doing things. The system of personal politeness in English is called "manners".

"Learn some manners, young lady!"; "Where are your manners?"; "He was a kind, well-mannered boy."