THE FORMULA OF INTRODUCTIONS.
We shall say only a few words about presentations. The same form is always observed, "Let me introduce to you Mr. B.;" or, "Mr. Jones, allow me to present to you Mr. Smith;" or, "I have the honor to present to you my intimate friend." Introduce no person until you are sure it is agreeable to both parties. Ladies should always be asked if they wish to know Mr. —— ere he is presented to them. The rule invariably is, to introduce gentlemen to ladies—not ladies to gentlemen. Or, in case of men to men, always present the younger to the older—the lesser to the greater. We Americans, in our disregard of rank and position, are too apt to overlook the courtesies established among gentlemen. The person thus presented bows, the host repeats the oft-spoken compliment, and, with a graceful rejoinder, the ceremony concludes.
Both ladies and gentlemen should be careful about introducing persons to each other, without being first satisfied that such a course will be mutually agreeable.
The custom in this country, particularly among gentlemen, of indiscriminate introductions, is carried to such a ridiculous extent, that it has often been made the subject of comment by foreigners, who can discover no possible advantage in being made acquainted with others with whom they are not likely to associate for three minutes, in whom they take not the slightest interest, and whom they probably will never again encounter, nor recognize if they should. Besides, every one has a right to exercise his own judgment and taste in the selection of acquaintances, and it is clearly a breach of politeness to thrust them upon your friend or associate, without knowing whether it Will be agreeable to either party.