Manners and Rules of Good Society Part 36

=For a Sister-in-law or a Brother-in-law= the period of mourning was formerly the same as for a brother or sister, but the four months'

period is now the one usually chosen.

=For a Grandparent= the longest period of mourning is six months, the shortest four months.

During the longest period black should be worn for three months, relieved with white after six weeks, half-mourning for three months; diamonds after one month, gold after six weeks or two months.

During the shortest period black should be worn for two months, half-mourning for two months.

The custom of wearing c.r.a.pe may now be said to have gone out of fas.h.i.+on as regards etiquette, black being considered adequate mourning, save in the case of widows.

The former c.r.a.pe periods were six months for parents and children, three months for brothers and sisters, three months for grandparents.

=For an Uncle or Aunt= the longest period of mourning is three months, the shortest period six weeks.

During the longest period black (no c.r.a.pe) should be worn for two months, half-mourning one month.

During the shortest period black for three weeks, half-mourning for three weeks; diamonds after three weeks.

=For a Nephew or Niece= the periods of mourning are identical with the foregoing.

=For an Uncle or Aunt by Marriage= the period is six weeks black, or three weeks black and three weeks half-mourning.

=For a Great Uncle or Aunt= the longest period is two months, the shortest one month.

During the longest period black for one month, half-mourning for one month.

During the shortest period black for one month.

=For a First Cousin= the longest period is six weeks, the shortest one month.

During the longest period black for three weeks, half-mourning for three weeks.

During the shortest period black for one month.

=For a Second Cousin= three weeks black. Mourning for a second cousin is not obligatory, but quite optional, and often not worn.

=For a Husband's Relations= the periods of mourning chosen are invariably the shorter ones.

=For a Daughter-in-law or Son-in-law= the periods are now shortened to six months; four months black and two months half-mourning, or three months black and three months half-mourning.

=For the Parents of a Son-in-law or Daughter-in-law= the period is one month, black.

=For the Parents of a First Wife= a second wife should wear mourning for one month, black relieved with white.

=For a Brother or Sister of a First Wife= a second wife should wear mourning for three weeks, but this is not obligatory, and depends upon the intimacy existing between the two families.

=Much Lat.i.tude is allowed to Men= with regard to the foregoing periods of mourning.

=A Hat-band should be worn= during the whole of each period, but it is not imperative to wear suits of black longer than half the periods given, save in the case of widowers.

=Servants' Mourning.=--It is customary to give servants mourning on the death of the head of the house, which should be worn during the period the members of the family are in mourning. Mourning given to servants on the death of a son or daughter is quite an optional matter.

=Seclusion from Society.=--The question as to how soon persons in mourning should or should not re-enter society is in some measure an open one, and is also influenced by the rules that govern the actual period of mourning adopted.

=A Widow is not expected to enter into Society= under three months, and during that time she should neither accept invitations nor issue them.

Her visiting should be confined to her relations and intimate friends.

After three months she should commence gradually to enter into society, but b.a.l.l.s and dances should be avoided during the first year.

=For a Daughter mourning for a Parent= the period of seclusion is six weeks as far as general society is concerned; but invitations to b.a.l.l.s and dances should not be accepted until after six months.

=For a Parent mourning for a Son or Daughter= the period of seclusion is the same as is that of a daughter for a parent.

=For a Brother or Sister= the period of seclusion is three weeks.

=For Grandparents= the period of seclusion is from a fortnight to three weeks.

=For an Uncle or Aunt= the period is a fortnight to three weeks.

=For all Other Periods of Mourning= seclusion from society is not considered requisite.

=When Persons in Mourning= intend entering again into society, they should leave cards on their friends and acquaintances as an intimation that they are equal to paying and receiving calls.

=When Cards of Inquiry have been left=, viz. visiting cards with "To inquire after Mrs. A----" written on the top on right-hand corner of the cards, they should be returned by cards with "Thanks for kind inquiries"