The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1893-04-08
THE INTRODUCTION.
Mrs. Oliver Bell Bunce Defines Its Va
rious Formalities and Niceities.

MIS-. Vllvel OC1A 0uuCc O00ACS AtO q
rious Formalities and Niceities.
A young gentleman wishing an
introduction to young lady ought
always to solicit it either from her
parents or some married lady who
will vouch for his standing and
character.
After permission is granted, to
the satisfaction Of all parties, the
presentation should be made after
the usual prescribed form:
"Allow me to introduce Mr.. Rob-
inson, Miss Smith; lam delighted
to present him to you." Then the
introducing friend retires and al
lows conversation between the two
without interruption.
In all cases of introduction the
gentleman should, after being in
troduced, wait for the lady to bow.
1t is her prerogative to establish
the acquaintance.
On the young lady's part, when
a young gentleman is presented to
her she should not rise; she only
inclines her head, but she takes
care that her eyes are turned toward
the person introduced. Her hands
in restful repose, a smile may be
given in a gracious manner, and
she may commence conversation.
A young lady when presented to
an elderly person, or persons who
are evidently older than herself,
should rise. Position and standing
of both parties in a measure deter
mine the particulars of behavior.
But certainly the elderly person
should demand this respect of the
younger when introduced.
In presenting one lady to another
the permission should be secured.
A single woman should be pre-
sented to married lady-not
the reverse. This same law of man
ners should and does prevail in the
introducing of gentlemen to gen.
tlemen.
When a cordiality is to be ex-
pressed the hand should be offered,
although handshaking is not so
general as formerly. "The ceremo-
nious introduction forbids it,"
In the cases where young people
are introduced to persons older than
themselves the offering Of the hand
invariably should come from the
elder = never the younger = and
should be carefully received in the
same spirit as it is given.
When a stranger is presented to
any lady acting in the capacity OF
hostess she should extend her hand.
The civility Of the home places the
newcomer at ease and secures him
social welcome.
The bow in polite circles is con-
sidered all that is necessary. A
gentleman when given an introduc-
ton to lady bows. Two ladies be-
ing introduced bow. When friends
meet they bow or nod. A gentle
man when escorting ladies raises
his hat, which means also bow
from the lady should they recognize
friend. This last rule is the same
in all social circles in America.
But whenever the introduction
partakes of marked friendly char
acter then the hand-shaking comes
as a go-between.
In all cases the names in an in
PRODUCTION should be pronounced in
a clear, distinct manner. An indis-
tinctness or carelessness in this
matter is bad form.
Generally speaking, introductions
should never be given on the street.
in store, or at any public place of
amusement. That is not only in
bad taste, but a casual introduction
does not insure foundation for fu-
ture acquaintance. Indeed, young
ladies, when presented even at a
ball, tea or reception to person
who does not prove agreeable, can
ignore outside their hostess house
the fact of the introduction.
Mrs. OLIVER BELL BUNcE.