The Portland daily press., 1890-10-13
The Art of TakIne Leave.

The moments Of leaving are usually the
larger part of visit. The Introductory part
is spent seated, undergoing the formalities
of the occasion. But at the moment of adieu
all the interesting topics spring to mind, and
not known before.
The accomplishments of thinking on the
feet is not supposed to belong to women !;
but observe them standing preparatory to
separation, and how fluent, how piquant,
fruitful is their discourse! / have known
women to spend half hour from easy chairs
to the door not ten steps away In uninterrupt-
ed conversation and insensible to fatigue or
delay.
In the larger cities etiquette facilitates
departure. The drawing-ro0m door termi-
mates intercourse, and unless f0otman or
maid is in attendance the guest let herself
out, periliously strainiug her gloves at the
well-guarded doors.
In smaller places more gracious custom
prevails. A visitor is not allowed to serve
herself even in turning the handle Of a
door, and if no servant Is in waiting the
hostess accompanies her visitor and per-
forms the service herself, Here is famous
occasion for continued talk.
AS visitors in the country are more rare,
the different members OF the family are
Il
of guest, but their part Is subordinate. 1t
is on these, who are not fairly participants
that the burden of leave-taking falls the
heaviest.
When the visitors rises to 60 the family
gets up. Then another topic springs to life,
and the conversation Is renewed. The silent
members group respectfully. around the de-
parting visitor, as they do In the tableaux
about the principals at the close of the third
act.
leau dissolves to seek temporary and secret
relief from standing, on the edges OF tables.
the arms of chairs, or any convenient pro-
lection, with arms twined around waists,
or curtains, or anything that offers alleyia-
tion. Failing these, they rest on one foot
family standing on one foot. like barn-yard
chickens on cold morning, with guest
lowering on the eve Of departure, yet stay
ing on.
Who does not remember such occasions?
The conversation flags; hope reylves: An
with leaden wings. The talk points to con.
clusioD, like the preachers "seventhly."
The guest looks after eQuipment--card case,
parasol. Eyes brighten, the line Is once
more at attention, when casual by the
way" or ''apropos," reduces 1t to pulpy,
wavering state, again demanding support
When the door is finally closed, and the
visitor shut out beyond the power to return
with missing thought without ringing
again the bell, the household, Frustrated
with mental and physical fatigue, seek the
nearest convenient retreat.
mere are hostesses who show the same
alssincllnation to allow visitor to depart,
Sda bhang on to the skirts Of conversation
WIN T., hhnWearled persistence But the visitor
q. .od III Dstser case. Very pardonably she NAV
resume tesG ner seat, for that has compliment
a satS dspect. wni,e for hostess to sit down
SIiVoh noi visitoI mas risen would signify hone
lessness to the point of reckless exnressian
and be properly resented. No one mvS,
stand until the last gasp, and even tbnnnh
that be the. penalty. yet 1t is nitv V tbat
physical fatigue should so strain the bonIs
of friendship and impair the charms of ac'
quaintance. Vi "o-
But the moment Of rising should only pre-.
cede the moment of going. When one is re-
conciled to departure its anticipation is be-
gun. A few gracious words, brief pressure
of the hand, and the door Is closed leaving
welcome presence missed, regretfu sense
of vacancy, but one soon filled with pleasant
memories and hope of speedy return
Harpers Bazaar.