ENGAGEMENT.

  Men It is his duty to see the woman’s parents
       or guardian, and to make known his
       intentions, and to tell them fully and frankly
       about himself, his family, his social position,
       and business prospects.  He should court the
       fullest investigation, and take his own family
       into his confidence, but not mention it to
       others.

  Parents of man.  They should send their
       pleasant greetings and congratulations,
       accompanied with flowers, and if both families
       are old acquaintances, a present may be sent
       to the prospective bride.

  Parents of woman.  The first step is to bring
       together both parents in social intercourse—­
       as, by a dinner given by the man’s or woman’s
       family, when friends may be invited, by
       interchange of notes and congratulations, by
       any social visit, or by any function that good
       taste may dictate.

If one family lives out of town, it may invite various members of the other family living in the city to make visits of some duration, as a week or more.  These visits should be returned.

  Public announcement.  This item of news is
       rarely published in the papers, but if it is,
       the expense is borne by the family of the
       woman.  The public announcement is usually
       made at some social entertainment—­as, a
       dinner, tea, or an “At Home,” given by either
       family.

At a formal dinner given by the family of the woman, the father takes out his daughter first and her fiance escorts her mother.  At the proper time the father drinks his future son-in-law’s health and announces the engagement.  All rise, and congratulations follow.

       Notes may be written to intimate friends
       informing them of the happy event.

  Women.  A woman should at once confide in
       her parents, and trust to their future
       guidance and to their making a full investigation
       of the man, his social condition, and business
       prospects.  They should not mention the
       matter to others.

Immediately after the engagement, each of the two parties should be introduced to the family of the other party.  Before the wedding-cards are issued the woman should leave her card personally at the homes of her friends, but without entering.  After the wedding-cards are issued she should not appear at any social function, or make any personal visits, or be seen at any place of amusement.

It is not wise for her to call at the place of business of her fiance, and if a meeting is necessary, it is better to make an appointment elsewhere.

  Ring.  The ring is given by the man