The sun., 1892-02-07
coon FORM IN ENGLAND.
Some OF the Distinctions that are Recess
nlycd M Important.

Some OF the Distinctions that are Recegs
nixcd M Important.
LONDON. Jan. 80 Whether for good OF evil.
the old code OF social etiquette Ia being super.
seeded by n fresh one which has introduced lm.y
portant notifications. Some think the changes
beneficial: others that they have done much to
Danish the courtesy and politeness which gave
such added charm to the intercourse Of we'll
bred people which greater latitude and freedom
In hosts and guests do not replace satisfactorily
Tho part Of tho mistress Of house dis.
pensing hospitality on large scale isby no
means q sinecure 1t is complicated also. now
that she can DO guided no longer by estab-
lished rules that used to minimize her re-
sponsibillties. When sho has reached an age
which gives authority and commands respect,
she has acquired also the experience and
habits that facilitate the discharge Of her
duties; but 1t is tho young bride trans.
planted suddenly into H-novsl sphere. Q
foreigner. marrying into on aristocratic fam.
lily, who soon discovers that II is not enough TO
be beautiful. elegant, witty. and graceful. but
that she must with concealed art and clever
strategy. steer her course amid the social
shoals. under penalty Of being voted under.
bred. provincial. or rude. ut is at her debut
that she reveals whether she is to the manner
born. or whether she Is what the Germans call
mot born at all." and indebted for her present
position to the charms Of her dowry Not un.
frequently the well.trained servants OF her
husbands household know more Of the nicetie0
ofreception than she does, and she is conscious
TINT she is being watched and blamed for
every solecism. error. or oversight
Tho rules OF precedence. even modified. can.
not be set aside with impunity. Here they
have been observed too long to be relinauished
completely; open neglect or ignorance Of them
l., ~ MT
eldest sons. marQuesses. the younger sons Of
dukes. earls. the eldest sons OF marquesses.
DC. &C.. know exactly where they have to be
phced at dinner table and either resent or
smile indulgently when tho order is not OBJ
served. An attempt was made to allow guests
to walk haphazard to the dining room. but tho
innovation met with little favor. as 1t was. too
evidently, device for saving the hostess
trouble or care for the feelings Of her guests
1t may seem utterly wrong to French or
italian married woman to see young girl
pass before an old woman who has borne
large family. but even II she he welded to an
English aristocrat slie must not attempt to
cavil at the established order Of things.
Etiquette proper. rs 1t was understood in the
court Of Louis XIV. had been transplanted
into all others. 1t was a strict code. founded
on reciprocal courtesy and reverence; but it
has yielded to less severe and authoritative
one which bears the name Of good form. Good
form is elastic, auctuating not immovable. but
1t is subtly imperious. and 1t expects society to
conform to its unwritten rules. Some are Of
mushroom growth. others have had several
i used to be customary to announce the
mistress OF the house. is in habitnaiiy for S
o'clock tea: but that Is done no longer. because
It takes away the familiar character OF the
meeting. where all are supposed to be inti-
mates. The custom is reserved for the large
and rarer at homes" or the evening ,recep:
the first drawing room to receive consider
able number OF acquaintances. The Same dis
only frishds ''S have az been assed rata at short
notice. At the minister ies. tho embassies. and
s h s ssd ssGn is Sre
The honors due to, them. For some she m erely
2 royal prince Is received by the host ct the
The p prince inc eenvsy that he
wishes that f1rmaltty (, t. be dispensed With; II
time greater iaxity than in England. thsre Is
yet q persistent endeavor to maintain the
So n9t only tie more graceful but the more
and sensible As long shs
that eyery senti ihomme was - the eaaai q
kng 5E the ts,t on tho sd
and their wives. whatever their. titles. were
seated ct the royal board according to their
discretion and sauoir riore Of the individual
It has been said, erroneously. that every
seat Of the master Of the house whom he
st&o"sh tSe @ IS yirtse Of an o sd ,sr:
mna is s hewfhrywhere h WI sIes ~ BY conrtesy the
also the crown priasss. ike the Prince of Wales
entitled to the honor. any more than the Car.
dinals. who are princes Of the Church.
1.-The The question Of f. introducing mt gnests to each
settled permanentiy. Good form has. how.
society. being large family. each member is
presupposed to know the rest. while allowing
IN vino srs
reception, where that circumstance can.
is is no ' need N for % introductfons. % but oi nt
afternoon g at homes" and small dinner par
@ names Yi't those 30 sas pre ,ee
sentation sent implies the consent OF both parties.
then lie Tier rule vs to present % the younser and less
distinguished person to the other Both ex-
change cards within q limited period, tho one
must leave cards on tho married people to
whom they have been presented a pune.
ttIlDuSiy VOIte man. VIu MI Vi tHt IHuleS. IehN0
cards where they have dined: the limit of q
week is not now adhered to. any reasonable
time who'll according to old French tradition.
the host used to call on his whilom guests in
the three following days ito thank them for
having taken the trouble Of coming to him"
:" Good form" exacts written answer TO a
dinner invitation. and tho reply: must not be
delayed under penalty of appearing inconsid-
erate to the hostess. Printed Invitations to re-
cepti9ps may be left ,,nansw.red or nrknowl-
edged by leaving cards. Society is not quite
unanimous In the fashion Of announcing din
pcr In some very smart houses the MAJOR:
domo merely says: Dinner is on the, table,"
Lady. or Your Grace"1 Whom o sovereign
or a prince of royal blood is invited. the man is
title. the words . Your Majesty" or !" Your
Royal Highness." In tho old French etiquette
the court usher opened the doors OF the royal
apartments and u herald called out aloud:
=" =. The vinnds of His Majesty are served but
tho tendency nowadays y 70 suppress any
In matters Of dress good form Is even more