2640. We will begin with the invitation, the reply to which you will make at once, for obvious reasons, and address it to the mistress of the house.
2641. If you accept, arrive at the house very punctually, not too late nor too early, both are inconvenient, but the latter irreparable. Get there, therefore, a little before the time, and wait till the precise moment before knocking.
2642. If you arrive by some accident a great deal too late, do not disturb the party by going in; send your card and an apology from some neighboring place.
2643. The host, if attentive, will point out to gentlemen the ladies whom he wishes them to conduct to table—always follow his directions.
2644. If either at dinner or at supper he should offer you the place of honor, never refuse it. To do so, as some do, is to show a pretended modesty; it keeps the rest of the company standing, and is vulgar in the extreme.