266 THE HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPAEDIA. 



ing parties are numerous, to present yourself at two or three houses dur- 

 ing a single evening. 



At very large and fashionable receptions, the hostess is generally to be 

 found near the door. Should you, however, find yourself separated by a 

 dense crowd of guests, you are at liberty to recognise those who are near 

 you, and those whom you encounter as you make your way slowly 

 through the throng. 



If you are at the house of a new acquaintance and find yourself among 

 entire strangers, remember that by so meeting under one roof you are all 

 in a certain sense made known to one another, and should therefore con- 

 verse freely, as equals. To shrink away to some side-table and affect to 

 be absorbed in some album or illustrated work ; or, if you find one 

 unlucky acquaintance in the room, to fasten upon him like a drowning 

 man clinging to a spar, are gaucheries which no shyness can excuse. An 

 easy and unembarrassed manner, and the self-possession requisite to open 

 a conversation with those who happen to be near you, are the indispen- 

 sable credentials of a well-bred man. 



At an evening party, do not remain too long in one spot. To be afraid 

 to move from one drawing-room to another is the sure sign of a neophyte 

 in society. 



If you have occasion to use your handkerchief, do so as noiselessly as 

 possible. To blow your nose as if it were a trombone, or to turn your head 

 aside when using your handkerchief, are vulgarities scrupulously to be 

 avoided. 



Never stand upon the hearth with your back to the fire or stove, either 

 in a friend's house or your own. 



Never offer anyone the chair from which you have -just risen, unless 

 there is no other disengaged. 



If, when supper is announced, no lady has been specially placed under 

 your care by the hostess, offer your arm to whichever lady you may have 

 last conversed with. 



If you possess any musical accomplishments, do not wait to be pressed 

 and entreated by your hostess, but comply immediately when she pays 

 you the compliment of inviting you to play or sing. Remember, however, 

 that only the lady of the house has the right to ask you. If others do so, 

 you can put them off in some polite way ; but must not comply till the 

 hostess herself invites you. 



If you sing comic songs, be careful that they are of the most unexcep- 

 tionable kind, and likely to offend neither the tastes nor prejudices of the 

 society in which you find yourself. 



