206

XXXIV. THE COCKADE 209

XXXV. COUNTRY-HOUSE VISITS 211

XXXVI. HUNTING AND SHOOTING 219

XXXVII. SHAKING HANDS 225

XXXVIII. CHAPERONS AND DEBUTANTES 228

XXXIX. PRESENTATIONS AT THE VICEREGAL COURT, DUBLIN CASTLE 229

XL. HOSTESSES 234

XLI. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF LADY PATRONESSES OF PUBLIC
BALLS 239

XLII. PERIODS OF MOURNING 242

XLIII. ENGAGED 250

XLIV. SILVER WEDDINGS 253

XLV. SUBSCRIPTION DANCES 256

XLVI. GIVING PRESENTS 259

XLVII. CHRISTENING PARTIES 261

INDEX 265

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

The title of this work sufficiently indicates the nature of its
contents. The Usages of Good Society relate not only to good manners and
to good breeding, but also to the proper etiquette to be observed on
every occasion.

Not only are certain rules laid down, and minutely explained, but the
most comprehensive instructions are given in each chapter respecting
every form or phase of the subject under discussion that it may be
clearly understood what _is_ done, or what is _not_ done, in good
society, and also how what _is_ done in good society should be done. It
is precisely this knowledge that gives to men and women the
consciousness of feeling thoroughly at ease in whatever sphere they may
happen to move, and causes them to be considered well bred by all with
whom they may come in contact.

A solecism may be perhaps in itself but a trifling matter, but in the
eyes of society at large it assumes proportions of a magnified aspect,
and reflects most disadvantageously upon the one by whom it is
committed; the direct inference being, that to be guilty of a solecism
argues the offender to be unused to society, and consequently not on an
equal footing with it. This society resents, and is not slow in making
its disapproval felt by its demeanour towards the offender.

Tact and innate r