CHAPTER I.
Introductions, Calls, Cards, Visiting.
“A beautiful behavior gives a higher pleasure than statues or pictures; it is the finest of the fine arts.”—Emerson.
INTRODUCTIONS.
In introducing persons, one should be careful to pronounce each name distinctly.
When either name is not perfectly understood, a repetition of it should be requested of the person making the introduction. When introductions are given, it is the man who should be presented to the woman; when two women are introduced, it is the younger who is presented to the elder. For example, in presenting Mr. Jones to Mrs. Smith, it is Mrs. Smith’s name that is first mentioned. The word “introduce” is preferred to “present.” Informal introductions are given by merely mentioning the names; as, “Mrs. Smith, Mr. Jones,” and this is ordinarily sufficient.
In introducing two sisters, the elder is “Miss Smith” and the younger “Miss Virginia Smith.”
When two women are introduced to each other, it is not necessary for either to rise; a bow and a smile from each is sufficient.
A woman does not rise when a man is presented to her, unless he is very old or is a person of great importance. Upon being introduced, a married woman may offer her hand to a man but it is not customary for a young woman to do so.
It is the duty of a man who attends a private entertainment, to have himself presented to every member of the family whom he does not know.
An introduction in the street car is very bad form.