TEAS.
Invitations. These need no acknowledgment.
Given by bachelors.
See BACHELORS' TEAS.
Afternoon.
See AFTERNOON TEAS.
High.
See HIGH TEA.
TELEPHONE INVITATIONS. Telephone invitations should be sent only to those with whom the utmost intimacy exists, and who will pardon the informality.
THEATRE. A young man may invite a young woman to the theatre or opera, even if he has but a slight acquaintance with her, but of course he should secure the permission of her parents or chaperone.
It is correct for the young man to inquire if the young woman prefers a box, or, if not, he should state in what part of the house he proposes to secure seats. This will enable her to determine how to dress.
If the young woman wears street toilette, her escort may take her in any public conveyance, but if she wears evening dress, he should provide a carriage.
At the theatre he should precede the woman down the aisle to the seat or box; but if it is the latter, he should open the door and wait for her to pass.
A man may use his judgment as to the aisle seat. If a better view can be had, or seemingly objectionable people are next the inside seat, it is perfectly proper to give the woman the aisle seat.
A man should never leave his companion between the acts. The custom of both men and women going into the foyer at that time is a growing one, and is a relief to the audience.
Refreshments at some fashionable place may follow after the entertainment.
For a man to call on an acquaintance in an opera box does not relieve one of the duty of making a formal call in return for social favors.
BONNET. A woman of any consideration will either wear no bonnet at all or remove it as soon as the curtain is raised.
It would be in place for a man or woman whose view is hampered by a bonnet to politely ask the wearer to remove it, and when it is done, to thank her.
MEN—LEAVING CARDS. After a theatre party given by a man, he should call within three days on the woman he escorted or leave his card.
PRECEDENCE. In entering a theatre a man precedes the women of his party, but after he has handed his coupons to the ushers he gives the women precedence, and follows them to their seats.
TALKING. Conversation during the progress of the play or the opera should be avoided, and confined to the intermissions.
The theatregoer should avoid all noise,
gestures, or actions tending to annoy others
or to render himself conspicuous.
A man would be justified, when annoyed by a person talking loud near him, in asking him politely to speak lower.