roper to
introduce people to each other?" The strictest etiquette forbids
casual social introductions, or the introducing of any two people at
any time without the consent of both parties. It is argued that people
who meet in a drawing-room as fellow-guests are introduced, by that
mere fact, sufficiently for the social purposes of the hour; and they
may engage in conversation, if they choose, without the least
hesitancy; both understanding that this interchange involves no
acquaintance beyond the present occasion. By this arrangement an
awkward silence is averted, and it certainly seems as if the chief
argument in favor of "introducing people" is met; since, with "the
roof" as their transient introduction, they are perfectly at ease
without personal introductions. When people are used to this idea it
is altogether the most sensible and agreeable solution of the question;
but many social assemblies demonstrate that a large number of people
are yet waiting to be introduced, and not without some feeling of
resentment when this ceremony is neglected. Let it be understood that
any one is at liberty to speak to a fellow-guest without an
introduction; also, that such a "talk" does not warrant any subsequent
claim of acquaintance. If in the course of this impromptu chat mutual
interest is awakened, either one may later seek an introduction in due
form through some common friend.

On informal occasions, when few guests are present, especially in
country towns, it may be more kindly and social to give personal
introductions; and the good sense of this idea, probably, is founded on
the fact that under these conditions a hostess can be reasonably sure
that the acquaintance will be congenial. To the villager many of the
extreme rules of etiquette are unreasonable, because the conditions
that enforce them in town life are not present in the life of the quiet
hamlet. The rule regarding introductions is one which must be modified
to suit circumstances. It is one of the cases when various delicate
considerations may justify exceptions. The lady who in her city home
introduces nobody, may in her country home introduce everybody, if that
seems best. In the matter of delicate exceptions we observe the most
significant display of tact.

When introductions are made, gentlemen should be presented to ladies,
younger people to older people, etc. The formula for introductions may
be abbreviated to a mere announcement of the two nam