nearly as for an own father or mother.

A widower wears a complete suit of black, white linen, dull-black silk
neckties, dull-black leather shoes, black gloves, and a black ribbon
of broader width upon his hat.

The mourning band sewed upon the coat sleeve is a discredited form of
mourning. It does not denote the nearness of the loss, and has only
the virtue of cheapness for those who cannot afford to show marked
respect to the dead.

Men do not observe the custom of withdrawing from society for as long
a time as do the women, but usually reappear at the homes of intimate
friends, at public places of entertainment, and at the club after two
or three months. As long as the mourning band is worn upon the hat,
however, no man should attend large and fashionable functions, as
dinner or dancing parties, or the theater.

After six months a woman may resume calling, returning the calls of
those who called upon her in the early weeks of her bereavement.

Children of fifteen years of age and under should not wear mourning.

The viewing of the body of the deceased as it lies in the casket is
the privilege of only the family and the immediate friends, and should
not be requested by others. Therefore, the casket is now usually
closed before the funeral service, especially if that be at a church.
In case of a man in public office, it is sometimes necessary that the
body should lie in state for certain hours, when the public may pay
their respects.

Punctuality is very necessary in regard to everything connected with a
funeral service, as the overwrought nerves of those who are sorrowing
should not be taxed to bear any extra tension.

Within ten days after the funeral, a card of thanks for sympathy
should be sent to all who have called upon the family or sent flowers
or offered their services in any way.

When one is in mourning, one does not attend a wedding reception,
though one may be present at the ceremony. Black should not be worn.

Mourners announce their return to society by sending out their cards
to friends and acquaintances.

CHAPTER XV

MILITARY, NAVAL, AND FLAG ETIQUETTE

THE social usage in respect to military or naval officers follows
ordinarily the customs of formal occasions or occasions of state in
civilian life, or is provided for in the instructions of the army and
the navy, which the members of those two departments of the service
would alone be expected to know. There are, however, one o