Minor Usages of the Best Society.
When a man offers a lady any civility, a stranger or an acquaintance, opens a door, hands her a parcel she has dropped, or offers her a seat, he should lift his hat at the same moment.
If a young lady accepts the escort of a gentleman to an entertainment, she should never accompany him, at its close, to a restaurant for refreshments unless she is chaperoned by a lady much older than herself.
“Good-evening” is a proper salutation upon entering a room for a call. “Good-night” upon retiring at its close.
A man on horseback, who sees a lady wishes to stop him, will dismount and walk by her side, leading his horse, for there are few occasions on which it is permissible to stand talking on the street.
A lady may permit a man walking with her to carry any small parcel that she has, but never more than one.
A lady wishing to avoid bowing to an undesirable acquaintance, must look aside, or drop the eyes, for if the eyes meet a bow is absolutely necessary.
If a lady asks a man to accompany her to a place of amusement, she must provide the conveyance.
If a lady invites a man to drive with her, he should walk to her house, unless the distance is too great, when she should offer to call for him. If this is the case, he should watch, and, if possible, meet her on the way.
Do not refuse to accept an apology; even if friendship is not restored, an open quarrel will be averted.