RULES FOR PRECEDENCE.
A man precedes a woman in going down-stairs and follows her in going up.
This is that he may be in readiness to catch her should she fall.
He allows a woman to precede him on entering or leaving a room, and should open the door for her.
On entering a hotel dining-room the man may precede the lady to the table assigned them, on the occasion of their first meal, standing until she is seated. Afterwards, he may follow her as the head-waiter leads the way. Sometimes he permits her to precede him in the first case.
The question is sometimes asked who should follow the usher on entering church or theatre. The rule above stated obtains. The woman follows the usher; the man follows her.
The man allows the lady to enter the carriage first, but descends before her that he may assist her to alight. The same rule prevails in regard to entering and leaving a street car, etc.