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.