trouble
men, as they are usually found standing, or they are brought up to a
person to be introduced, and even if a man ventures upon sitting down at
an "at home," or before dinner is announced, he springs to his feet with
alacrity when any approach is made in the matter of introducing him to a
fellow guest.

* * * * *

=Introductions often have to be made at Afternoon Calls=, supposing that
two or three callers only are present and the hostess feels that she
must render the talk general by making some kind of introduction, direct
or indirect, as she thinks best. The ladies thus introduced remain
seated and bow. They do not shake hands even under the exceptional
conditions previously referred to, but they would at once join in the
talk that passes for conversation, and on departure would shake hands
with the relative in question after having shaken hands with the hostess
and having expressed pleasure at meeting this near relative--mother or
sister, or whoever she may happen to be.

* * * * *

=Introductions between Callers= made under enforced circumstances have
not much bearing on future acquaintance. Those introduced pass so short
a time in each other's company, and know practically nothing of each
other's surroundings, that they are uncertain whether at future meetings
they ought to recollect that such introductions have taken place, and
whether they should bow or forget. Actually it would be correct to bow
if the opportunity is given so to do, but unless the wish to bestow
recognition is mutual it is of little avail if grudgingly given, and it
would be worse still were it withheld. Some people have short memories
for faces, and others are short-sighted, and both these drawbacks have
to be reckoned with when expecting recognition from a person to whom one
has been thus introduced.

CHAPTER III

LEAVING CARDS

The etiquette of card-leaving is a privilege which society places in the
hands of ladies to govern and determine their acquaintanceships and
intimacies, to regulate and decide whom they will, and whom they will
not visit, whom they will admit into their friendship, and whom they
will keep on the most distant footing, whose acquaintance they wish
further to cultivate and whose to discontinue.

It would seem that the act of leaving cards is but imperfectly
understood, and that many erroneous impressions prevail respecting the
actual u