[Manners and social customs 767]

In attending a tea or afternoon reception, the right-hand glove must be removed before entering the drawing room, as it is bad form to offer a gloved hand to one’s hostess on such occasions.

If, when calling on a lady, another visitor arrives, the first comer must not attempt to “sit him out.”  He should make his adieux within a reasonable time after the second arrival, even though a friend in more intimate standing.

Bad Habits.—­A man should carefully avoid mannerisms, such as twisting his mustache, fussing with his tie, fidgeting with some little article taken from a table, as a paper knife, etc.  These awkwardnesses are the outcome of nervousness.  He should strive at all times to be simple, at ease, and unconscious of himself.  If he tries to “show off” he makes himself obnoxious.

Picking the teeth, chewing a toothpick, cleaning the finger nails in company, are gross violations of propriety.

The Car Fare Question.—­A girl occasionally appeals to writers on social forms to find out when she should permit a man to pay her car fare.  It is expected that he will pay for her if he is escorting her, and she should allow him to do so without comment.  If they happen on the same car by chance she should pay her own fare.  If the man anticipates her, handing the change to the conductor and saying “For two,” she should thank him simply and let the matter pass.  Really, it is not entirely good form for a man to pay a woman’s fare under such circumstances, unless she has difficulty in finding her purse, or her change.  Then he may say “Allow me” and pay for her.  If she finds her money she may return the amount, and he should take it without protest.

THE ETIQUETTE OF DRESS.

“The best possible impression that you can make with your dress is to make no impression at all; but so to harmonize its material and shape with your personality that it becomes tributary in the general effect, and so exclusively tributary that people cannot tell after seeing you what kind of clothes you wear.”—­Holland.

MEN’S DRESS.

A man—­lucky creature—­is not expected to change his clothes as frequently as a woman must.  He wears morning dress until dinner, unless he is to attend some afternoon function, like a wedding or a reception.  Dinner is now almost universally at six or half after six o’clock.  Before that hour, save in the exception noted above, he wears a business suit, a derby or “soft” hat, tan shoes if he prefers them, or laced calf-skin shoes with heavy soles.  The coat may be sack or cutaway.  Such an outfit is correct for traveling wear.  A white shirt, or one of striped madras, is worn, with a white linen collar.  The tie is usually a four-in-hand in some dark shade.

[768 Mothers’ remedies]