Final answer:
The southern lady would strive to be genteel when hosting northern businessmen, as courtesy, hospitality, and chivalry were highly valued in the antebellum South.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking whether the southern lady was genteel when hosting northern businessmen. Based on the information provided, it can be inferred that the southern lady would strive to be genteel when hosting northern businessmen. The antebellum South valued courtesy, hospitality, and chivalry as the hallmarks of their way of life. They believed in maintaining a certain level of refinement and social decorum, especially when interacting with guests or visitors from outside their region.