The Book of Good Manners; a Guide to Polite Usage for All Social Functions eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 295 pages of information about The Book of Good Manners; a Guide to Polite Usage for All Social Functions.

The Book of Good Manners; a Guide to Polite Usage for All Social Functions eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 295 pages of information about The Book of Good Manners; a Guide to Polite Usage for All Social Functions.
It is correct for the young man to inquire if the young woman prefers a box, or, if not, he should state in what part of the house he proposes to secure seats.  This will enable her to determine how to dress.
If the young woman wears street toilette, her escort may take her in any public conveyance, but if she wears evening dress, he should provide a carriage.
At the theatre he should precede the woman down the aisle to the seat or box; but if it is the latter, he should open the door and wait for her to pass.
A man may use his judgment as to the aisle seat.  If a better view can be had, or seemingly objectionable people are next the inside seat, it is perfectly proper to give the woman the aisle seat.
A man should never leave his companion between the acts.  The custom of both men and women going into the foyer at that time is a growing one, and is a relief to the audience.

       Refreshments at some fashionable place
       may follow after the entertainment.

For a man to call on an acquaintance in an opera box does not relieve one of the duty of making a formal call in return for social favors.

  Bonnet.  A woman of any consideration will
       either wear no bonnet at all or remove it as
       soon as the curtain is raised.

It would be in place for a man or woman whose view is hampered by a bonnet to politely ask the wearer to remove it, and when it is done, to thank her.

  Men—­leaving cards.  After a theatre party
       given by a man, he should call within three
       days on the woman he escorted or leave his
       card.

  Precedence.  In entering a theatre a man precedes
       the women of his party, but after he
       has handed his coupons to the ushers he
       gives the women precedence, and follows
       them to their seats.

  Talking.  Conversation during the progress of
       the play or the opera should be avoided, and
       confined to the intermissions.

       The theatregoer should avoid all noise,
       gestures, or actions tending to annoy others
       or to render himself conspicuous.

       A man would be justified, when annoyed
       by a person talking loud near him, in asking
       him politely to speak lower.

THEATRE AND OPERA PARTIES.

  Given by men.  A man giving a theatre or
       opera party should secure one or more
       chaperones if women are to be present.

  Calls.  The host should call upon his guests
       within three days or a week after the event.

Copyrights
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The Book of Good Manners; a Guide to Polite Usage for All Social Functions from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.