Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1867-01-25
Etiquette of American Society.
FRANKNESS.

W icoIh oh hiot ChiCipS soo'cty 'Si""N
ness and sincerity-the power of saying
yes and no. Always say to people exactly
what you mean, so far as you can do so
without giving offense, though, of course,
no, in dictatorial, offensive way. Ex-
cessive timidity not only produces painful
awkwardness and embarrassment but fre-
quently leads to annoying misconception.
Don't be afraid of having tastes and opin
ions of your own, or of giving expression
TO them, when required to do so, in mod
est yet decisive way. People neither ac-
quire nor retain respect by being the mere
shadows and echoes Of others.
DIFFERENCE.
There is nothing more graceful than the
Difference which the young who are well
taught to pay to the aged, and which ev-
cry true gentleman pays to lady under
all circumstances and when we say lady
we mean woman, the fact of sex being
sufficient to establish the claim TO consid-
GRAFTON. OF all women, of course, moth
ers, wives, and sisters deserve the most
respectful kindness and courtesy.
"No CARDS"
An attempt has been made TO render
wedding cards questionable but this can
never be, as it is the only polite method
by which newly married persons can noti-
fly their friends of the change in their re-
lations, and the only one also by which
they can distinguish those whose acquain-
tance thy wish to cultivate.
NEVER CROSS YOUR LETTERS.
1t is a most annoying and foolish prac-
tice generally confined to young ladies
fresh from boarding school. If you want
to save postage, use French tissue paper
and more of it; or, and this is better, cui
out all the silly, confidential, unnecessary
part of your letter, and the residue will
generally find enough room on one sheet
ETIQUETTE OF PARTY.
On arriving, pay your respects first to
the hostess, congratulating her first upon
her arrangements, the looks Of her rooms,
her company, and anything else that sug-
gests itself Don't bore her with long
speeches, however; remember She has
other guests to attend TO, and step aside,
holding yourself il readiness TO do any
thing to add to your own enjoyment or
that of others. Distinguish the neglected
by your attentions rather than those that
are much sought after. If asked to sing,
or display any accomplishment, either de-
cline, giving a sufficient and decisive rea-
son, or accept at once, and do the best you
can without making any unnecessary fuss
about it.
QUERY.-"W When an evening party is
given in a social way, is it customary for
the hostess to ask ore of the invited
guests to favor them with music, or ought
she first to sit down to the piano unsolicit
ed, and then make a call on some one else
i am anxious to know which is the correc
thing to do, as have heard divers opin
ions given.-DAIsY."
ANswER.-In the case mentioned by
:" Daisy" should there be either daugh
ter or sister of the house who is musical
she would undoubtedly be the person te
commence the musical performance. This
however. would not be the proper thing
for the hostess to do, as she is expected to
be ready to receive her guests and to at.
tend TO them in various other ways, which
she could not do if engaged at the piano
Should she be musical, she might, at the
latter part of the evening give her friends
an opportunity of hearing her perform
ance. If no daughter or sister be present
then the nearest relative or most intimate
friend who may be of the party, and can
do so, should be invited to commence the
musical entertainment, always remember
ing that the finest performer should be
reserved for the middle of the evening.
These remarks only apply to an amateur
party, where the hostess is not profession
al, although perchance some of her guest,
might be.-Demoresfs Monthly.