Letter writing is an indication of good breeding--Requirements for correct writing-Anonymous letters--Note paper to be used- Forms of letters and notes-Forms of addressing notes and let- ters-Forms of signature-Letters of introduction-When to be given-Notes of invitation and replies thereto-Acceptances and regrets-Formal invitations must be answered-Letters of friend- ship-Love letters-Business letters and correspondence-Form of letter requesting employment--Regarding the character of a GENERAL RULES TO GOVERN CONDUCT. Attention to the young in society-Gracefulness of carriage-Attitude, coughing, sneezing, etc.-Anecdotes, puns, etc.-A sweet and pure breath-Smoking-A good listener--Give precedence to others-Be moderate in speaking-Singing and playing in society -Receiving and making presents--Governing our moods--A lady driving with a gentleman-An invitation cannot be recalled- Avoid talking of personalities-Shun gossip and tale bearing— Removing the hat-Intruding on privacy-Politeness-Adapting yourself to others-Contradicting-A womar good name-Ex- pressing unfavorable opinions-Vulgarities-Miscellaneous rules How and when they are celebrated-The paper, cotton and leather weddings-The wooden wedding-The tin wedding-The crystal wedding-The silver wedding-The golden wedding-The dia- Naming the child-The christening-Godparents or sponsors-Presents Death notices and funeral invitations--Arrangement for the funeral -The house of mourning-Conducting the funeral services-The pall-bearers-Order of the procession-Floral and other decora- tions-Calls upon the bereaved family-Seclusion of the family Social duties required of the President and his family-Receptions at the White House-Order of official rank-Duties required of Foreign titles-Royalty-The nobility-The gentry-Esquires-Impe- rial rank-European titles-Presentation at the court of St. James-Those eligible and ineligible for presentation-Prelimi- The example of a merchant prince-Keep your temper-Honesty the best policy-Form good habits-Breaking an appointment- Prompt payment of bills, notes and drafts-General suggestions Requirements for dressing well-Perils of the love of dress to weak evening dress-For a social party-Dress for the theater, lecture and concert-Archery, croquet and skating costumes-Bathing dress-For traveling-The bridal costume-Dress of bridemaids COLORS AND THEIR HARMONY IN DRESS. The proper arrangement of colors-The colors adapted to different persons-Material for dress-Size in relation to color and dress Importance of neatness and cleanliness-Perfumes-The bath-The teeth and their care-The skin-The eyes, eyelashes and brows- To remove freckles, pimples and sunburn-To beautify the complexion -To prevent the hair falling out-Pomades and hair oils-Sea foam or dry shampoo-To prevent the hair turning gray-To CHAPTER I. Introductory. "Ingenious Art with her expressive face, KNOWLEDGE of etiquette has been defined to be a knowledge of the rules of society at its best. These rules have been the outgrowth of centuries of civilization, had their foundation in friendship and love of man for his fellow man-the vital principles of Christianity—and are most powerful agents for promoting peace, harmony and good will among all people who are enjoying the blessings of more advanced civilized government. In all civilized countries the influence of the best society is of great importance to the welfare and prosperity of the nation, but in no country is the good influence of the most refined society more powerfully felt than in our own, "the land of the future, where mankind may plant, essay, and resolve all social problems." These rules make social intercourse more agreeable, and facilitate hospitalities, when all members of society hold them as binding rules and faithfully regard their observance. They are to society what our laws are to the people as a political body, and to disregard them will give rise to constant misunderstandings, engender ill-will, and beget bad morals and bad manners. 66 Says an eminent English writer: "On manners, refinement, rules of good breeding, and even the forms of etiquette, we are forever talking, judging our neighbors severely by the breach of traditionary and unwritten laws, and choosing our society and even our friends by the touchstone of courtesy." The Marchioness de Lambert expressed opinions which will be endorsed by the best bred people everywhere when she wrote to her son: Nothing is more shameful than a voluntary rudeness. Men have found it necessary as well as agreeable to unite for the common good; they have made laws to restrain the wicked; they have agreed among themselves as to the duties of society, and have annexed an honorable character to the practice of those duties. He is the honest man who observes them with the most exactness, and the instances of them multiply in proportion to the degree of nicety of a person's honor." Originally a gentleman was defined to be one who, without any title of nobility, wore a coat of arms. And the descendants of many of the early colonists preserve with much pride and care the old armorial bearings which their ancestors brought with them from their homes in the mother country. Although despising 1 |