They are, however, great sticklers for formalism; and disapprove of any short cuts in ceremony. As soon leave with the silver as without waiting for the finger bowls. A friend of mine, training a new man by example, as new men of this nationality are always trained, was showing him how to receive a caller. Therefore she rang her own doorbell, presented a card; in short, went through the whole performance. Tom understood perfectly. That same afternoon Mrs. G——, a next-door neighbour and intimate friend, ran over for a chat. She rang the bell. Tom appeared.
"Is Mrs. B—— at home?" inquired the friend.
Tom planted himself square in the doorway. He surveyed her with a cold and glittering eye.
"You got ticket?" he demanded. "You no got ticket, you no come in!"
On another occasion two ladies came to call on Mrs. B—— but by mistake blundered to the kitchen door. Mrs. B——'s house is a bungalow and on a corner. Tom appeared.
"Is Mrs. B—— at home?" they asked.
"This kitchen door; you go front door," requested Tom, politely.
The callers walked around the house to the proper door, rang, and waited. After a suitable interval Tom appeared again.
"Is Mrs. B—— at home?" repeated the visitors.
"No, Mrs. B—— she gone out," Tom informed them. The proper ceremonials had been fulfilled.