ast sign of recognition, and may mean little or much,
but its significance is known only to the two concerned. While it is
permissible in public places to make its cordiality, or lack of it,
apparent, it is not permissible to greet fellow guests at any private
social function with either more or less than a uniform and impartial
courtesy.

The bow does not mean that one has a calling acquaintance. It may mean
only a casual knowledge of one another's existence, due to some brief
coming together. Intentionally to neglect to bow, after a bowing
acquaintance has once been established, is an open affront, and
denotes either extreme rudeness or veiled insult. The dropping of an
acquaintance by refusal to recognize, may, in our complicated social
system, sometimes be necessary, but it is only justified by the
necessity for society to safeguard itself against some of the more
flagrant social abuses.

It is a woman's privilege, in meeting a man whom she knows, to bow
first. Indeed, the man always waits for her to do so, unless he is a
very intimate friend. A woman should always be sure, before bowing to
a man, that she knows him and that she has caught his eye.

When a gentleman is walking with a lady, he lifts his hat when she
bows to an acquaintance, even if the person is not known to him. So,
also, when he is alone and meets a man whom he knows, who is in the
company of a lady, he lifts his hat. When, walking with a lady, he
meets a gentleman whom he knows, he removes his hat.

When a gentleman meets a party of ladies or stops to speak with one
only, it is customary for him to retain his hat in his hand until she
requests him to replace it. This is done with social superiors and
to show great respect, being more ceremonial than finds common
acceptance among Americans.

When he is with a gentleman who bows to a lady, he also lifts his hat.
It is proper for him to lift the hat when offering any courtesy to a
lady, even though a total stranger, and upon leaving a lady with whom
he or a person accompanying him has been talking.

It is well to return a bow which is directed to you, even if you do
not know the one bowing. This often saves considerable embarrassment
to the one who has for the moment mistaken you for some one else.

When passing before ladies seated in a lecture hall, or concert, a
gentleman always asks their pardon for troubling them.

In passing or repassing on the street or promenade, a single bow is
suf