When Calling.—­If making a call, and another visitor enters, the lady of the house rises to greet her and introduces any other guests who may be present.  A man must rise and find a scat for the newcomer, but the women bow without rising.  If only one guest is present, she should rise if the hostess and latest caller remain standing, or if a change of seats seems desirable.  Introductions of this kind are semi-formal; they do not establish a later acquaintance unless both are agreeable; the social intent is to bridge over a situation that might seem awkward.  However, many pleasant friendships have been made by such casual encounters at the house of a mutual friend.

[686 Mothers’ remedies]

On the other hand, if two women who are not on friendly terms happen thus to meet and are introduced, it would be a most grievous breach of etiquette not to acknowledge the introduction courteously and exchange a remark or two.  Neither has a right to embarrass a hostess by airing a private animosity under the roof of a friend—­or in society generally.

General lntroductions.—­The only “collective” introduction possible is that of a speaker or essayist to an audience.  At a club meeting or other assemblage where a stranger is present as guest of honor, the members should request the hostess or the president of the club to present them severally.

Men and lntroductions.—­Men seldom ask introductions.  They have the privilege of speaking without them.  A man’s title should always be given him in an introduction.  A man must request permission before bringing another man to be introduced to a woman or to a friend’s house.  In the latter case he will present his companions to the lady of the house and any of the family who are present; if others arrive, the hostess should introduce him to them.

After an introduction, the man waits for the woman to recognize him at their next meeting.  She should bow, even if she does not care to establish an acquaintance.  A casual introduction between women may not be recognized afterwards, though a slight bow is more courteous.

A Few Things Not To Do.—­Do not introduce a person as your “’friend.”  It is not supposed you will introduce anyone who is not a friend.  Moreover, in certain circles the term friend is employed in naming a companion, secretary, governess or managing housekeeper to one’s guests.  In this connection it may be mentioned that one should not speak of “visiting a friend” or “staying at a friend’s house.”  Name the person referred to; or if you do not wish to do so, do not allude to the circumstance.  Naturally, one visits only friends.