If none of these methods of entertaining chance to be within the man’s means—­for many poor men of pleasing address are social favorites—­he may fall back on the pretty compliment implied in sending flowers or bonbons, remembering that matrons as well as “buds” appreciate such attentions.

[766 Mothers’ remedies]

In Village Society.—­In small towns and in the country, the young man would ridicule the idea of having a chaperon along.  He seldom considers the question of repaying social invitations, or paying calls after an entertainment.  He should be careful to show courtesy to the host and hostess, to dance with the latter and her daughter at a dancing party, and may escort mother and daughter or the mother and some one of her friends, to a lecture or concert.  Generally he ignores all claims of this character.  But he should not.

Should He Offer His Arm?—­A man seldom offers a woman his arm nowadays, unless she is so elderly or infirm that she needs the support.  For a couple to walk arm in arm in daylight is decidedly provincial.  For a man to take a woman’s arm is a liberty not permissible unless she is a member of his family.  He should offer his arm if holding an umbrella over her at night, on a poorly lighted street or a country road at night.  A woman, unless very infirm or ill, should not walk arm-in-arm with a man in daylight.

The Outside of the Walk.—­A man usually walks on a woman’s right, in order to protect her if necessary, It looks absurd, however, for him to be dodging around her to keep on the outside of the walk unless some danger is to be encountered.

Minor Matters of Men’s Etiquette.—­A man should not carry a girl’s parasol; he should however assume any parcel she may be carrying.

When a man escorts a woman to her home it is not correct for him to linger at the door.  He should accompany her up the steps, ring the bell and wait until she is admitted.  If the hour is at all late he should not enter, even though invited.

It is extremely bad form for a man to speak of a woman by her Christian name while talking to casual acquaintances.  Though long acquaintance may sanction the familiarity at home, or among intimate friends, to all outsiders she should be Miss.

The custom of leaving the theatre between acts is inexcusable.  If a man is escorting a lady, he is guilty of great rudeness if he leaves her,

Cards and Calls.—­If calling on a lady who is visiting a person who is a stranger to him, he must ask for her hostess, sending up a card for her as well as for his friend.  If calling with a lady, he should wait for her to give the signal for departure.

The man who attends an afternoon tea should leave a card for each lady mentioned in the invitation, and for the host, whether the latter was present or not.  He must send the same number of cards if unable to be present, enclosing them all in an envelope which fits the cards, addressing it to the hostess, and mailing it so that it will be received on the day of the function.  He must call upon his hostess within two weeks after an invitation to a dinner or ball.