tion, but should endeavor to make each one feel his interest in what she says.

After an introduction, if a man wishes to excuse himself, he must take his leave only after he has been the last speaker, adding a word of apology.

Names

Some persons in making an introduction mumble the names so indistinctly that both parties are left in embarrassment. For some reaclearly son people are "touchy" about being pronounced called by other names than their own. If your name is "Holt," it is not pleasant to be addressed as "Dolt." It is wiser to say at once that the name escaped one and ask the person himself to repeat it. This sometimes gives him the gratifying opportunity of explaining who his people are, which, if one is amiable, one will not mind there is pleasure in giving pleasure.

You

Although presentations may be requested, it is not usual to solicit letters of introduction. Letters then not only ask a favor of your friend, of intro- but that he should ask a favor of his

duction friend on your behalf. Such requests must be made diplomatically. You may speak of your wish to an intimate friend, who may volunteer to get letters for you from some mutual acquaintance, since it is always easier to ask favors for others than for one's self; or you may mention the fact of your intended sojourn at a given place in the presence of one who may, if he please, do you a kindness in making you acquainted with his friends residing there. Or

again, you may talk to him so as to interest him in your visit. Diplomacy comes so perilously near deceitfulness that one would not wish to be too proficient in its exercise. Your need or your advantage must be your best appeal to your friend when he knows your plans. His right to impose an obligation upon his friend is authorized only by intimacy, the rule of social indebtedness, or the certainty that he is doing an undoubted kindness to both in bringing you together. Those who have seen Europe many times as tourists wish to know the people themselves, how they live, what they do in their homes and at their pleasures. Letters that open hospitable doors are therefore eagerly desired, and if the traveller seek new and untrodden ways, curiosity is not less keen.

A letter of introduction is always left unsealed and is usually briefly worded:

DEAR

This is to introduce my friend

Mr.

The form of an intro

of whom I have spoken to you. duction by

Any kindness that you may show him will be warmly appreciated.

letter

A second letter is often sent, giving some particulars about the friend introduced, and the degree of attention solicited in his behalf. "Be nice to him" is a phrase which seems to cover as much or as little ground as the recipient pleases.

It is a mistake to praise people to one another overmuch before presenting them. Expectation

is easily keyed too high for ordinary human fulfilment.

A card should be left with a letter of introduction, without asking to see the person addressed. It is more courteous to send it by messenger than by post, if unable to go in person. If the letter is sent, it should enclose the card of the person introduced in order to give the address.

The attention

The recipient should call promptly, after which the ladies of his family call imposed upon those belonging to the party of by notes the bearer of the letter.

of introduction

A dinner is the usual courtesy extended, always the highest social compliment, though a little real friendliness outweighs many compliments. Those who have them usually send their carriages to those who have presented letters of introduction, put the men of the party up at one or more clubs considered representative, and see that all are invited to whatever social event is occupying public attention.

But as wealthy people live more or less alike all over the world, the traveller will often better appreciate a simpler hospitality. National dishes at table, modest functions peculiar to the place and people, please and interest a stranger, and to welcome him into a home atmosphere is to do him the greatest possible kindness.

A visiting-card, with the words "Introducing Mr. Blank" written above the engraved name of

the sender, has merely its face value, and imposes no social obligation.

Should we receive a letter of introduction we should regard it as a sacred claim upon our hospitality. The French have a proverb, "The friends of our friends are our friends.”

Chapter Second-SALUTATIONS

MERRY young mother, desirous. that her little flock should be well mannered and observant of the "small, sweet courtesies," sugarcoated the pill of duty and turned

her teachings into play by saying to them,

"The good fairies have invited the members of your little bodies to a tea-party, but before they go, each one must have lessons in behavior, for fairy manners are very dainty."

Then followed a merry hour in which knees were drilled in graceful genuflections, heads were taught to bow, hands to meet in friendly clasp, and lips to smile the frowns away, if their owners were victims of another's awkwardness. Small arms were trained to crook themselves gallantly and be accepted with graciousness, and a fairy teaparty closed the exercises, - a sylvan feast at which the pixie hostesses were quite visible to the youthful imagination and added greatly to the pleasure of the guests by their presence,

The story recalls the fact that heads, hands, lips, arms, and knees all have their lessons to learn, their parts to play in the drama of society. They vary in different countries and in different ages of the same country.