Title: The Book of Good Manners Author: W. C. Green Edition: 10 Language: English Produced by Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team THE BOOK OF GOOD MANNERSA GUIDE TO POLITE USAGE FOR ALL SOCIAL FUNCTIONSW. C. GREENTHE BOOK OF GOOD MANNERS is a complete and authentic authority on every single phase of social usage as practiced in America. The author has compiled the matter in dictionary form in order to give the reader the desired information as briefly and clearly as possible, and with the least possible effort in searching through the pages. ACCEPTING OR DECLINING INVITATIONS. See INVITATIONS, ACCIDENTS. See STREET ETIQUETTE—MEN—ACCIDENTS. ADDRESS. The address of a person may be stamped If the address is stamped, it is not customary ADDRESSING ENVELOPES. MEN. A man should be addressed as Mr. James The title belonging to a man should be WOMEN. A woman's name should always have A woman should never be given her husband's If a woman has a title of her own, she ADDRESSING PERSONS. Young girls should be spoken Parents should introduce their daughter A married woman should be spoken of as ADDRESSING AND SIGNING LETTERS. All answers to Letters to a woman who is a comparative Letters to a man who is a comparative For forms of addressing persons with titles, The letters may end, Sincerely yours, or The signature of a man should be John J. An unmarried woman should sign social Agnes Wilson AFTERNOON CALLS. These should be made between In making an afternoon call a man should DRESS—MEN. Afternoon dress consists of a double-breasted frock coat of dark material, and waistcoat, either single or double- breasted, of same, or of some fancy material of late design. The trousers should be of light color, avoiding of course extremes in patterns. White or delicate color linen shirts should be worn, patent leather shoes, silk hat and undressed kid gloves of dark color. Afternoon dress is worn at weddings, afternoon teas, receptions, garden parties, luncheons, church funerals, and at all afternoon functions. See also EVENING DRESS—MEN. MORNING AFTERNOON RECEPTIONS. See AFTERNOON TEAS. AFTERNOON TEAS (FORMAL). These are very successful as a rule, due perhaps to their small expense and few exactions, and are given with many purposes: to introduce young women into society, to allow a hostess to entertain a number of her friends, to honor some woman of note, etc. A formal afternoon tea is one for which cards have been issued, naming set date. Awnings and carpet should be provided from curb to house. A man should be stationed at the curb to open carriage doors and call them when the guests leave, and another African Teas man should be in attendance at the front door to open it the moment a guest appears at the top step and to direct him to the dressing-room. A policeman should be detailed for the occasion to keep back the onlookers, and should receive a small fee for his services. At the door of the drawing-room a man should ask the name of each guest, which he announces as the latter enters. The hostess and those receiving with her should be just within the door to receive the guests. CARDS. Each guest should leave a card in the A woman may leave the cards of the men Cards should be sent by mail or messenger by those invited but unable to be present, and should be timed so that they reach the house during the function. A husband and wife each send a card when the invitation is issued in the name of the hostess only, and two cards each when issued in the name of hostess and her daughter. If issued in the name of both husband and wife, a husband should send two and his wife should send one card. DAUGHTERS. The daughters who have passed the debutante age usually stand for an hour beside their mother to receive the guests, and afterward mingle with the guests to help to make the function a success. DEBUTANTE. When a tea is given in honor of a debutante, she stands beside the hostess (usually her mother), and each guest is introduced to her. Flowers should be liberally provided, and friends may contribute on such an occasion. The host and the men all wear the regulation afternoon dress. Women wear costumes appropriate to the Guests may suit their convenience in After leaving their wraps in the dressing- rooms, guests enter the drawing-room, leaving their cards in the tray in the hall, and then giving their names to the man at the door, who announces them. On entering the room, the women precede the men. After greeting the hostess and being introduced to those receiving with her, the guests move into the middle of the room. Guests go the dining-room when they wish without greeting the hostess. It is not expected that guests at a large reception will stay all the afternoon. Twenty minutes is long enough. It is not necessary to bid the hostess good-bye when leaving. If guests take leave of host and hostess, they should shake hands. In the dining-room the men, assisted by the waiters, help the women. When the reception is a small formal one, the guests may stay a longer time, and usually it is better to take leave of the hostess, unless she is much occupied at the time. HOST. Except when a newly married couple give a house-warming or a reception, the host does not stand beside his wife, but spends the time in making introductions, and doing his best to make the function a success. When some married woman or woman guest of honor assists his wife to receive, he should at the proper moment escort her to the dining-room. HOSTESS. The hostess and those receiving with The hostess shakes hands with each guest, Friends assisting a hostess to entertain are generally permitted to invite a few of their own friends, and their cards are sent with those of the hostess. A pretty feature is the presence of a number of young women here and there in the rooms to assist in receiving the guests. Music is always appropriate. HOURS. The hours are from 4 to 7 P.M. INTRODUCTIONS. The hostess should introduce INVITATIONS. Engraved invitations are sent a They are usually issued in the name of the In place of the visiting-card, an "At When cards are sent to a married couple, Invitations are sent in two envelopes-the inner one unsealed and bearing the name of the guest, and the outer one sealed, with, the street address. INVITATIONS, ANSWERING. It is not necessary to accept or decline these invitations, as the guest accepts by his presence. If unable to do so, he should send by mail or messenger a visiting-card, to reach the hostess during the ceremony. When the invitation has been issued in the name of the hostess only, a husband and wife each send a card, and if in the name of hostess and her daughter, each should send two cards. If the invitation has been issued in the name of the husband and wife, the wife should send one and a husband two cards. If the woman in the family is the only one present at the function, she can leave cards for the rest of the family. MEN. Both the host and men wear the regulation afternoon dress, consisting of the long frock coat with single or double-breasted waistcoat to match, or of some fancy cloth, and gray trousers. White linen, a light tie, a silk hat, gray gloves, and patent leather shoes complete the costume. The overcoat, hat, and cane are left in the dressing-room, and the guest removes one or both gloves as he pleases—remembering that he must offer his ungloved right hand to the hostess. SHAKING HANDS. Guests on being presented to the hostess should shake hands. If guest takes leave of hostess, they should shake hands. If the hostess is surrounded by guests, a pleasant nod of farewell is admissible. WOMEN. Women leave cards of their male relatives as well as their own, even though their names may be announced upon entering. Guests leave their cards in a receptacle provided for the purpose, or give them to the servant at the door. Women wear a costume appropriate for the afternoon, and keep their hats and gloves on. AFTERNOON TEAS (INFORMAL). An afternoon tea is a simple entertainment. Refreshments are generally served to the guests. An innovation lately introduced has become quite popular —namely, young women, invited for the purpose, wait upon the guests, bringing in one dainty at a time. An afternoon tea is called a formal afternoon tea when engraved cards have been issued, naming set date. CARDS. Guests should leave cards in the hall, or hand them to the servant. Women may leave the cards of the men of her family. Those unable to attend should send card the same afternoon by mail or messenger. See also AFTERNOON TEAS (Formal)-Cards. DRESS. Both men and women wear afternoon dress. GUESTS. All guests, both men and women, wear afternoon dress. Guests may suit their convenience in arriving or departing—provided they do not come at the opening hour, nor stay to the last moment. After the guests have left their wraps in the dressing-rooms, they leave their cards in the tray in the hall and enter the drawing- room, the women preceding the men. After greeting the hostess and being introduced to those assisting her, the guests quietly move away and mingle with the rest. Each guest goes to the dining-room when he pleases and leaves when he wishes. It is not necessary upon departure to shake hands with the hostess at a large reception, though it is better to do so at a small affair. It is not necessary for a guest to stay the entire evening; twenty minutes is sufficient. HOST. If present, he does not receive with his wife. It is not essential that he be present on such an occasion. HOSTESS. The hostess wears full dress. Daughters may assist, or young women may be asked to do so. HOURS. From four to seven. INVITATIONS. For an afternoon tea a visiting- card may be used with the hour and date written or engraved on it. They may be sent by mail or messenger. The invitation need not be acknowledged. AFTERNOON WEDDING RECEPTIONS are conducted the same as Wedding Receptions, which see. AGRICULTURE, SECRETARY OF—HOW ADDRESSED. An A social letter begins: My dear Mr. Wilson, The address on the envelope is: Hon. John AISLE PROCESSION. ANGLICAN CHURCH ARCHBISHOP. ANGLICAN CHURCH BISHOP. ANNIVERSARIES—WEDDING. These are as follows: First year……………….Paper Fifth year……………..Wooden Tenth year ………………Tin Twelfth year………….Leather Fifteenth year ……….Crystal Twentieth year………….China Twenty-fifth year………Silver Thirtieth year …………Ivory Fortieth year………….Woolen Forty-fifth year…………Silk Fiftieth year………… Golden Seventy-fifth year…… Diamond Less attention is now paid than formerly ANNOUNCEMENT—ENGAGEMENT. ANNOUNCING GUESTS—BALLS. The hostess decides ANSWERING INVITATIONS. APPLES should be pared, cut into small pieces, and ARCHBISHOP OF ANGLICAN CHURCH—HOW ADDRESSED. A social letter begins: My dear Lord The address on the envelop is: The Most ARCHBISHOP OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH—HOW ADDRESSED. The address on the envelope is: The Most ARTICHOKES are eaten with the fingers, taking off leaf by leaf and dipping into the sauce. The solid portion is broken up and eaten with a fork. ASPARAGUS. The stalks may be taken between the finger and the thumb, if they are not too long, or the green end may be cut off and eaten with a fork, scraping off with the knife what is desired from the remaining part. AT HOMES.AFTERNOON AT HOMES. The days for receiving are engraved in the lower left hand corner of the card, with hours specified if one wishes. No changes should be made in these hours by the hostess unless for exceptional reasons, and she should always be present at the time set. Unless very intimate, the call should be made only on the specified days. BACHELORS. It is not customary for a bachelor to use "At Home" cards as a woman does, nor to invite his friends by writing a date and Music at four on his calling-cards in place of an invitation. DRESS. In the afternoon the caller should wear afternoon dress, and in the evening evening dress. ACKNOWLEDGING INVITATIONS. Invitations to an ordinary at home need no acknowledgment. INVITATIONS. Cards for an "At Home" are engraved with the hour for beginning the entertainment—as, Chocolate at 4.30 o'clock. The invitations to a formal "At Home" should be sent in two envelopes, but to an ordinary "At Home" in one envelope. For informal affairs the hour may be written on an ordinary "At Home" card. BACHELORS' DINNERS. They follow the usual custom of formal dinners, and may be as elaborate as desired. Women may be invited. Such dinners are often given for men only. CALLS. Women do not call upon a bachelor after attending a dinner given by him. CHAPERONE. If women are present, a married woman as chaperone is indispensable, and her husband must also be invited. The host should call upon the chaperone and personally request the favor. The chaperone is taken into dinner by the host, unless the latter takes in the woman in whose honor the dinner may be given. In the latter case, the chaperone is seated at the host's left. She gives the signal for the women to leave the dining-room. All guests should be introduced to the chaperone, and she should be called upon after a short time by the host. DRESS. All guests wear evening dress. HOST. The host should call upon the chaperone within a few days after the dinner. If men only are present, he either precedes or follows the guests into the dining-room, and if he has given the dinner in honor of some man, he has the latter seated at his right. His duties are the same as the host at dinners. INVITATIONS. These are usually given in brief notes, but may be engraved, and are similar to the regular invitations to dinners, and are treated accordingly. MEN. The men wear evening dress, and follow the same etiquette as at other dinners. WOMEN. The women wear evening dress, and follow the same etiquette as at all dinners, except that no calls are made by them afterward upon the host. BACHELOR'S FAREWELL DINNER. If the groom wishes, he may give a farewell dinner a few evenings before the wedding to his best man, ushers, and a few intimate friends. He sits at the head of the table and the best man opposite, and on this occasion he may give scarf-pins, link cuff-buttons—or neckties and gloves, if he wishes—to the best man and ushers. BACHELORS' LUNCHEONS. These are conducted like BACHELORS' OPERA PARTIES. See THEATRE AND OPERA BACHELORS' SUPPERS. These are conducted the same BACHELORS' TEAS OR AFTERNOON RECEPTIONS. CHAPERONES. If women are present, a married The chaperone at a small affair pours the The host conducts the chaperone to her DRESS. The hosts and guests wear afternoon INVITATIONS. These maybe oral, brief notes, or, HOST. The host should greet his guests at the door, shaking hands with each one, and introducing to the chaperone those not known to her. He introduces guests who are strangers to each other, bids them adieu, accompanies the women to the door, and escorts the chaperone to her carriage, and if she has come alone without one, may very properly escort her home. If at a large reception several women have helped him entertain, he should thank them and see them to their carriages. He will, of course, see that there is provided a dressing-room for women with a maid to wait upon them, and that the rooms are in good order, well furnished with flowers, and that the refreshments are attended to. See also INVITATIONS. MEN. Afternoon dress is worn. WOMEN. The invitations, engraved or oral, should be promptly acknowledged. Women wear dress customary at afternoon teas, and on their entrance should greet the host. Upon departing they take leave of him, though this is not necessary if the reception be a large one. If a young woman knows that a chaperone is present, she need not have her own chaperone accompany her. If the chaperone leaves early, she should do BACHELORS' THEATRE PARTY. See THEATRE AND OPERA BADGES—BALLS (PUBLIC). It is customary for men BAGGAGE. If a man is traveling with a woman, he WEDDING TRIP. The best man should, some BALLS. A ball is an evening function, beginning at ACCEPTING INVITATION TO DANCE. While a young woman may accept or decline any invitation to dance, it is considered an act of discourtesy to refuse one man for a dance and to accept an invitation thereafter for the same dance from another. ANNOUNCING GUESTS. The hostess decides ANSWERING INVITATIONS. These should be answered ARRIVING AT. There is no set rule when guests In the city, guests should arrive anywhere between eleven and twelve, and in the country, fifteen minutes after the hour set in the invitation. ASKING WOMEN TO DANCE. A man asks for the privilege of a dance either with the daughter of the hostess, with any guest of the latter, or with any young woman receiving with her. On being introduced to a woman, he may ask her for a dance, and should be punctual in keeping the engagement. It is her privilege to end the dance at any moment she wishes, after which he should conduct her to her chaperone or find a seat for her, after which he is at liberty to go elsewhere. If for any cause a man has to break his BALLS, ASSEMBLY. The etiquette at an assembly ball is much the same as at a private ball, the functions and duties of the hostess being filled by a committee of women selected for that purpose. On entering the room, the guests bow to It is not necessary to take leave of the CARRIAGE. A man should provide a carriage CHAPERONES. For a small ball given in a private house, the hostess need not invite the mothers of the young women, and the young women can properly attend, knowing that the hostess will act as a chaperone. But at a large ball it is necessary to invite the mother as well as the daughters, and the chaperone as well as the debutante under her care. The mother can send regrets for herself, and send her daughters in care of a maid. Or she can attend, and, after remaining a suitable time, she may entrust her daughter to the care of a chaperone who intends to remain the whole evening. BALLS FOR DEBUTANTE.DRESS. A debutante should dress in white or some extremely delicate color, and wear very little jewelry—some simple brooch or single piece of jewelry, or a slender chain of pearls. DUTIES OF DAUGHTERS. Except at her own debut, a daughter does not assist her mother in receiving. She should be ready, however, to see that young women have partners, and to speak, without introduction, to strangers. GUEST OF HONOR. If the ball is given in honor of some special person, he should be met on his arrival, introduced to the women of the reception committee, escorted to the seat prepared for him, and be looked after the entire evening. At the end of the ball he should be escorted to his carriage. DUTIES OF HOST. It is not necessary that a man receive with his wife. He should do all he can to help make the ball successful, especially if his name appears on the invitation. He should assist in finding partners for the women, taking the chaperones into supper, preventing the men from selfishly remaining in the dressing-room, and at the end escorting unattended women to their carriages. When a formal supper is served, he takes into supper the leading chaperone. DUTIES OF HOSTESS. As a ball is an entertainment for dancing, it is better to give two small balls where the guests are not crowded than one where they are. It is permissible for a hostess not having sufficient room to hire rooms in some place suitable for the purpose. In selecting guests, it is wise to have more men present than women. The hostess should see to it that the rooms are well ventilated and well lighted. An awning and a carpet from the street to the hall door should be provided. The hostess should stand near the door, prepared to receive the guests as they enter, shaking hands with each one, friend or stranger, and introducing any woman who may receive with her. A hostess herself should not dance until A wise hostess will personally see that the The hostess should see that the floor is suitable for dancing, that music is arranged, programs printed, that dressing-rooms, one for the men and one for the women, are arranged for with suitable attendants. The hostess should stand where the guests HOURS. In the city the hour for a ball to begin A public ball begins promptly at the time INVITATIONS. These are issued from ten to For an impromptu dance, they may be These invitations should be engraved. As But when an engraved invitation is posted, If the ball has any peculiar feature, as a INVITATIONS ASKED FOR STRANGERS. If a hostess receives a request from friends for invitations for friends of theirs, she can properly refuse all such requests, and no friend should feel aggrieved at a refusal for what she has no right to ask and which the hostess is under no obligation to give. If the hostess chooses to grant the request, well and good. She would naturally do so when the request A man should never ask for an invitation A woman may ask for an invitation for her fiance, a brother, or a male friend of long standing, or for a visiting friend. She should take care that she does not ask it for some one known to the hostess and whom the latter does not desire to invite. No offense should be felt at a refusal save, possibly, in the case of a brother, sister, or fiance. INVITATIONS GIVEN BY A NEWCOMER. When a newcomer in a neighborhood desires to give a ball but has no visiting list, it is allowable for her to borrow the visiting list of some friend. The friend, however, arranges that in each envelope is placed a calling-card of her own, so that the invited ones may know that she is acting as sponsor for the newcomer. INVITATIONS ANSWERED. Every invitation should be answered as soon as possible, and in the third person if the invitation was in the third person. The answer should be sent to the party requesting the pleasure, even if many names are on the invitation. When a subscriber to a subscription ball invites a friend who is a non-subscriber, she encloses her card in the envelope, and the invited friend sends the answer to the subscriber sending the invitation. INTRODUCTIONS. When a man is introduced to a MEN AT. Courtesy toward his hostess and consideration To accept an invitation to a ball and then A man finding few friends at a ball should ask some friend, or the hostess, to introduce him to some women whom he can invite to dance. It is an act of discourtesy for a man not to request a dance of a woman to whom he has been introduced. A man escorting a woman to a ball should agree where to meet her after they have each left their wraps at the dressing-rooms. It may be at the foot of the stairway or near the ball-room door. It is now no longer customary for the man and woman to enter arm in arm, but for the woman to precede the man, and together they greet the hostess. It is for the hostess to merely bow or to shake hands, and the guests follow her lead. A man should see that his companion's chaperone is comfortably seated, and then ask his companion for a couple of dances, and, with her permission, introduce other young men, who should ask her to dance. Such permission is not usually asked if the man is her fiance, a near relative, or an old friend. It is strictly the woman's prerogative to decide to retire, and no man should urge or hint to a woman to retire earlier than she wishes. MEN—CARRIAGE. A man asking a woman to accompany him to a ball should call in a carriage for her and her chaperone. MEN—DRESS. Men wear full evening dress in Gloves of white dressed kid should be worn NEWCOMERS. See BALLS-INVITATIONS GIVEN BY PATRONESSES. See PUBLIC BALLS—PATRONESSES. TIPPING SERVANTS. Only at public balls is it customary to give a tip to the men and women in charge of the cloak-room. SUPPER. Usually a buffet supper, being more easily handled and arranged for. Supper at tables requires many servants, much preparation, and great care. WOMEN AT. A mother should attend balls with her daughters, going and returning with them, and if she is not invited, they should decline the invitation. The father can act as escort if need be. After greeting the hostess and guests, the guests pay their respects to the head of the house if he is present. Taking leave of the hostess is unnecessary. It is no longer customary for a couple to enter arm in arm, but for the woman to precede the man. A mother, elder sister, or married woman takes the precedence over a daughter, younger sister, or unmarried woman. If not at once asked to dance, a young woman should take a seat by her chaperone. It is bad taste to refuse a dance with one man and then to dance that same dance with another. Both the hostess and the women wear their most elaborate costume for such an entertainment- decollete, short-sleeved, and a long train. For a less elaborate affair the costume may be plainer. BALLS, ASSEMBLY. See ASSEMBLY BALLS. BALLS, COSTUME. See COSTUME BALLS. BALLS, DEBUT. See DEBUT BALLS. BALLS, PUBLIC. See PUBLIC BALLS. BALLS, SUBSCRIPTION. See SUBSCRIPTION BALLS. BANANAS. The skin should be cut off with a knife, peeling from the top down, while holding in the hand. Small pieces should be cut or broken off, and taken in the fingers, or they may be cut up and eaten with a fork. BARON-HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins: The address on the envelope is: To the A social letter begins: Dear Lord Wilson, The address is: To the Lord Wilson. DAUGHTER OF. See DAUGHTER OF BARON. WIFE OF YOUNGER SON OF. See WIFE OF YOUNGER BARON, YOUNGER SON OF—How Addressed. An A social letter begins: Dear Mr. Wilson, The address on the envelope is: To the BARONESS-HOW ADDRESSED, An official letter begins: The address on the envelope is: To the A social letter begins: Dear Lady Kent, The address is: To the Lady Kent. BARONET-HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins: A social letter begins: Dear Sir John Wilson, The address on the envelope is: To Sir WIFE OF, See WIFE OF BARONET. BEST MAN. The best man is usually a bachelor, but may be a married man or a widower, and is selected by the groom. He fills an important position, requiring tact, administrative ability, and capacity to handle details. He acts as the groom's representative, confidential advisor, and business advisor. After his selection he should send a gift to the bride, and may, if he wish, send it to the groom-a custom not yet clearly established, and one not to be either encouraged or followed with safety. On the morning of the wedding-day he should have received both the ring and fee from the groom, and should personally see to the church and other details. He breakfasts with the groom, and together they drive to the church. CALLS. He should call on the bride's mother within two weeks after the ceremony, and also on the married couple upon their return from their wedding trip. CHURCH. He accompanies the groom into the chancel, and stands by his side till the bride appears, when he receives the groom's hat and gloves, and stands a little way behind him. When the clergyman bids the bride and groom join hands, he gives the ring to to the groom. At the conclusion of the ceremony, he gives the wedding fee to the clergyman, and hastily leaves the church to summon the groom's carriage and to return him his hat. He signs the register, if a witness is needed. It is a better arrangement to have the groom and the best man enter the church without their hats, and have the latter sent from the vestry to the church door, so that the groom may receive his when he leaves the church. Especially is this a good arrangement if the best man has to walk with the maid of honor down the aisle. After this, he hastens in his own carriage to the bride's home, to assist in meeting and introducing the guests at the reception or breakfast. DRESS. If the bride presents the best man with He should dress as nearly as possible like the groom-wearing afternoon dress at an afternoon wedding, and at an evening wedding evening dress. See also GROOM-DRESS. EXPENSES. The best man is the guest of the groom, and in matters of expense this should be borne in mind. REPORTERS. If such is the wish of the family of the bride, the best man attends to the reporters, and furnishes them with the names of groom, bride, relatives, friends, description of gowns, and other details deemed suitable for publication. WEDDING BREAKFAST. The best man escorts WEDDING RECEPTION. The best man stands WEDDING TRIP. He should arrange beforehand all details of the trip-as to tickets, parlor-car, flowers, baggage, etc. He alone knows the point of destination, and is in honor bound not to betray it, save in case of emergencies. He should see that the married couple leave the house without any trouble, and if the station is near, he should go in a separate carriage (provided by the groom) to personally attend to all details. He is the last one to see the married couple, and should return to the house to give their last message to the parents. BEST WISHES TO BRIDE. One should give best wishes to the bride and congratulations to the groom. BICYCLING. A man bicycling with a woman should extend to her all the courtesies practised when riding or driving with her, such as allowing her to set the pace, taking the lead on unfamiliar roads and in dangerous places, riding on the side nearest obstacles, etc. MEN—DRESS. A man should wear the regulation suit coat, waistcoat, and knickerbockers of gray or brown tweed, avoiding all eccentricities of personal taste. BIRTH (Announcement). If wishing to send congratulations BISHOP OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH—HOW ADDRESSED. A social letter begins: My Dear Lord The address on the envelope: To the Right BISHOP (PROTESTANT)-HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins: Right Reverend and Dear Sir, and ends: I have the honor to remain your obedient servant. A social letter begins: Dear Bishop Wilson, The address on the envelope is: To the BISHOP (ROMAN CATHOLIC)—HOW ADDRESSED. An The address on the envelope is: To the BONNETS (THEATRE). A woman of any consideration It would be in place for a man or a woman to politely request a woman whose bonnet obstructs the view to remove it, and, after it was done, to thank the woman for so doing. BOUQUETS (WEDDING). The bouquet carried by the bride is furnished by the groom, who should also provide bouquets for the bridesmaids. BOWINGMEN, When leaving a woman at the door of her house, he bows and retires as the door is opened. When seeing a woman to her carriage, he On a railroad a man removes his hat in a In street-cars a man should raise his hat when giving his seat to a woman; also when rendering a service to a woman in public, in answering a question, or in apologizing to a woman. In elevators, when women are present, In hotel halls or corridors a man passing Men do not raise their hats to one another, In driving, if impossible to raise the hat, The hat is gracefully lifted from the head, It is the woman's privilege to bow first if it is a mere acquaintance. If, however, a woman bows, and the man fails to recognize her, he should bow in return. A man may bow first to a very intimate friend. Meeting a woman to whom he has been After bowing to a woman, the man may He should not stand in the street and converse with her any length of time. She may excuse herself and pass on. He should not feel affronted. If he meets a woman he does not know accompanied by a man he does know, both men bow. The man accompanying her should bow to every man or woman to whom she bows. WOMEN. A woman's bow should be dignified— Women bow first to men when meeting in When walking with a man, and they meet Unless an introduction has taken place at A man bowing and joining a woman on If a man stops to talk on the street, she may excuse herself and pass on. If she continues the conversation and he stands with his hat in his hand, she may request him to replace it. Such conversations should be brief. BREAD should be broken into small pieces, buttered, and transferred with the fingers to the mouth. The bread should be placed on the small plate provided for the purpose. BREAKFASTS. Breakfasts are generally given from ten to twelve in the morning. Very formal breakfasts are held at twelve o'clock. CALLS. A call need not be made after a simple DRESS. Street costumes are worn by men and GUESTS. Guests leave half an hour after the HOURS. The hour is from 12 to 12.30. INVITATIONS. Cards are engraved and sent a week in advance for formal breakfasts, but for informal breakfasts they may be written. If given in honor of a special guest, the name is engraved on the card—as, TO MEET MR. WILSON. MEN. Men are usually invited, and they are often given for men. Men wear street costume. Guests should leave half an hour after breakfast. A call is not necessary after a simple breakfast, but obligatory after a formal one. MEN LEAVING CARDS. After a breakfast a man should leave a card for host and hostess, whether the invitation was accepted or not. Or it may be sent by mail or messenger, with an apology for so doing. WOMEN. Women wear street costume, including Guests should leave half an hour after breakfast. A call is not necessary after a simple breakfast, but obligatory after a formal one. |