sending guests down to dinner, who are strangers to each other, the host
or hostess should introduce the gentleman to the lady whom he is to take
down to dinner. It would be quite unnecessary to ask the lady's
permission before doing so. It would be sufficient to make the
introduction a few moments before dinner was announced, and the usual
formula is, "Mrs. A., Mr. B. will take you in to dinner." A bow is the
recognition of this introduction.

When the majority at a dinner-party are strangers to each other, a host
or hostess should introduce one or two of the principal guests to each
other, when time allows of its being done before dinner is served; such
introductions are oftener made at country dinner-parties than at town
dinner-parties.

A hostess should, in some instances, introduce ladies to each other in
the drawing-room after dinner if the opportunity offers, and she
considers it advisable to do so.

As a rule, a host seldom introduces gentlemen to each other in the
dining-room after dinner, as they address each other as a matter of
course on such occasions.

A hostess should introduce her principal guests to each other, at
five-o'clock teas, garden-parties, small "at homes," etc.--that is to
say, gentlemen to ladies--for the purpose of their taking the ladies to
the tea-room. In this case also, the introduction should be made without
previously consulting the lady; and a gentleman, knowing the reason of
the introduction, should at once proffer the expected civility.

At these gatherings a hostess should use her own discretion as to any
general introductions she thinks proper to make, and should introduce
any gentleman to any lady without previously consulting the lady if she
thinks the introduction will prove agreeable to her.

When introducing ladies to each other, she should give married ladies,
and ladies of rank, the option of the introduction; but should
introduce young unmarried ladies to each other if she thinks proper.

* * * * *

=When Callers arrive simultaneously=, the hostess should introduce them
directly or indirectly to each other, if there is no social reason to
the contrary.

When a hostess is aware that her visitors do not desire each other's
acquaintanceship, or, if she considers that the introduction is not
altogether a suitable one, agreeable to both persons, she should not
make it, but converse with each visitor in turn, at the same time not
allowin