gardens, beautiful cities, cultivated people, created in thousands upon thousands of instances in the short span of one generation.  Certain great houses abroad have consummate quality, it is true, but for every one of these, there are a thousand that are mediocre, even offensive.  In our own country, beautiful houses and appointments flourish like field flowers in summer; not merely in the occasional gardens of the very rich, but everywhere.

And all this means?  Merely one more incident added to the many great facts that prove us a wonderful nation. (But this is an aside merely, and not to be talked about to anyone except just ourselves!) At the same time it is no idle boast that the world is at present looking toward America; and whatever we become is bound to lower or raise the standards of life.  The other countries are old, we are youth personified!  We have all youth’s glorious beauty and strength and vitality and courage.  If we can keep these attributes and add finish and understanding and perfect taste in living and thinking, we need not dwell on the Golden Age that is past, but believe in the Golden Age that is sure to be.

=INDEX=

    Acceptance of an invitation, 122-123;
      to a formal dinner, 187-188;
      to an informal dinner, 125;
      to a wedding, 111.

    Acknowledgment of Christmas presents, 407-408;
      of wedding presents, 320;
      of messages of condolence, 406-408.

    Address, forms of.  See:  Forms of address.

    Address, notification of, 180;
      by bride and groom, 108-109.

    Address on envelopes, 460, 486, 488;
      on letters, 450, 455, 460, 461;
      on visiting cards, 74-76.

    Afternoon parties, chapter on, 165-176.

    Afternoon teas.  See:  Teas.

    Ambassador, close of letter to, 456;
      function of in presentation at court, 609;
      how to address, 488;
      how to announce as a guest, 214;
      how to introduce, 4, 489.

    Americans abroad, 604-616.

    Announcement of a death, 390;
      of an engagement, 89, 304-306, 309;
      of a second marriage, 108;
      of a wedding,106-107.

    Announcing dinner, 217.

    Announcing guests, at afternoon tea, 167;
      at dinner, 214-215.

    Answering the door, 145.  See also: 
      “Not at home.”

    Anthem, national, 23.

    Apology, form of, 23-24;
      letters of, 462-463;
      at the theater, 41.

    Archbishop, close of letter to, 489;
      how to address, 488;
      how to introduce, 489.

    Argumentativeness, 50.

    Arm, etiquette of offering and taking, 30.

    Artichokes, how to eat, 583.

    Asking for a dance, 267, 270.

    Asparagus, how to eat, 582.

    Assemblies, 272-275.