Enquire Within Upon Everything Part 154

Either a white or black waistcoat is proper on such occasions. Morning dress is sufficient for an ordinary visit of ceremony.

1938. Officers' Dress.

Upon public and state occasions all officers should appear in uniform.

1929. Ladies' Dress.

Ladies' dresses should be chosen so as to produce an agreeable harmony. Never put on a dark-coloured bonnet with a light spring costume. Avoid uniting colours which will suggest an epigram; such as a straw-coloured dress with a green bonnet.

1930. Arrangement of the Hair.

The arrangement of the hair is most important. Bands are becoming to faces of a Grecian caste. Ringlets better suit lively and expressive heads. Avoid the extremes of fas.h.i.+on, whatever the fas.h.i.+on may be, especially those fas.h.i.+ons which tend to spoil the hair and render it unfitted for plainer styles.

1931. Excess of Lace and Flowers.

Whatever be your style of face, avoid an excess of lace, and let flowers be few and choice.

1932. Appropriateness of Ornaments.

In a married woman a richer style of ornament is admissible. Costly elegance for her--for a young girl, a style of modern simplicity.

1933. Simplicity and Grace.

The most elegant dress loses its character if it is not worn with grace. Young girls have often an air of constraint, and their dress seems to partake of their want of ease. In speaking of her toilet, a women should not convey the idea that her whole skill consists in adjusting tastefully some trifling ornaments. A simple style of dress is an indication of modesty.

1934. Cleanliness.

The hands should receive special attention. They are the outward signs of general cleanliness. The same may be said of the face, the neck, the ears, and the teeth. The cleanliness of the system generally, and of bodily apparel, pertains to Health, and is treated of under this head.

1935. The Handkerchief.

There is considerable art in using this accessory of dress and comfort. Avoid extreme patterns, styles, and colours.

Never be without a handkerchief. Hold it freely in the hand, and do not roll it into a ball. Hold it by the centre, and let the corners form a fan-like expansion. Avoid using it too much. With some persons the habit becomes troublesome and unpleasant.

[PUNCTUALITY BEGETS CONFIDENCE.]

1936. Visits and Presentations.

i. Friendly calls should be made in the forenoon, and require neatness, without costliness of dress.

ii. Calls to give invitations to dinner-parties, or b.a.l.l.s, should be very short, and should be paid in the afternoon.

iii. Visits of condolence require a grave style of dress.

iv. A formal visit should never be made before noon. If a second visitor is announced, it will be proper for you to retire, unless you are very intimate both with the host and the visitor announced; unless, indeed, the host expresses a wish for you to remain.

v. Visits after b.a.l.l.s or parties should be made within a month.

vi. In the latter, it is customary to enclose your card in an envelope, bearing the address outside. This may be sent by post, if you reside at a distance.

vii. But, if living in the neighbourhood, it is polite to send your servant, or to call in person. In the latter case a corner should be turned down.

viii. Sc.r.a.pe your shoes and use the mat. Never appear in a drawing-room with mud on your boots.

ix. When a new visitor enters a drawing-room, if it be a gentleman, the ladies bow slightly, if a lady, the guests rise.

x. Hold your hat in your hand, unless requested to put it down. Then lay it beside you.

xi. The last arrival in a drawing-room takes a seat left vacant near the mistress of the house.

xii. A lady is not required to rise to receive a gentleman, nor to accompany him to the door.

xiii. When your visitor retires, ring the bell for the servant. You may then accompany your guest as far towards the door as the circ.u.mstances of your friends.h.i.+p seem to demand.

xiv. Request the servant, during the visits of guests, to attend to the door the moment the bell rings.

xv. When you introduce a person, p.r.o.nounce the name distinctly, and say whatever you can to make the introduction agreeable. Such as "an old and valued friend," a "schoolfellow of mine," "an old acquaintance of our family."

xvi. Never stare about you in a room as if you were taking stock of those who are present.

xvii. The gloves should not be removed during a visit.

xviii. Be hearty in your reception of guests; and where you see much diffidence, a.s.sist the stranger to throw it off.

xix. A lady does not put her address on her visiting card.

1937. b.a.l.l.s and Evening Parties.

i. An invitation to a ball should be given _at least_ a week beforehand.

ii. Upon entering, first address the lady of the house; and after her, the nearest acquaintances you may recognise in the room.

iii. If you introduce a friend, make him acquainted with the names of the chief persons present. But first present him to the lady of the house, and to the host.

iv. Appear in full dress.

v. Always wear gloves.