The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1901-11-17

They endeavor to show themselves at
their best when others are invited to
meet them. taking pains to second all the
efforts of their hostess.
When private theatricals or musicals
are given, the hostess, or others who SUI
perintend the affair, will always be
grateful to those who, putting aside
personal preference, enter heartily into
the parts assigned them, more anxious to
give pleasure than to display their accom-
plishments. An old proverb says, Never
mention a rope in the family of man
that was hanged" The application is OBJ
vious.
1t were well to remember. too, that ones
ailments are never matter of public in
terest, and self and it's belongings should
never form a prominent part in ones
conversation. 1t is optional with a guest
whether or not he will attend church with
his hosts. No worldly etiquette imposes
his presence, but ii is usually felt to be
more consderate for guests to attend
church If provision is made to take them
there.
If visitors have accepted outside invita-
tons before their arrival-which is often
the case when making visits in town-they
should mention the fact to their hostess
as soon as convenient, that none of that
lady's plans be unsettled and that their
going may be arranged for.
Guests should not allow their hosts to
incur needless expense in their behalf.
They should in a city pay their own car
fares, cab hires and express charges; but
If the host will not permit this, 1t is in
better taste to yield the point than to in
sist upon 1T.
Although the desk OF a guest room Is
usually provided with note paper with the
family crest or the name of the house
upon 1t. and all necessaries for letter.
writing, guests will be discriminating in
their use of them. and come provided with
their own, including stamps.
1t Is an old-fashioned bit Of courteous
attention, but one usually appreciated, for
a visitor to bring to the hostess box Of
bonbons or some fruit rare enough to
be an excuse for it's offering-Which Is
presented soon after the arrival.
An Ideal Guest.
have in mind one bright little woman
for the pleasure of whose visits all her
friends contend. She comes like burst
of sunshine, and every member of the
family halls her with enthusiasm. She
pays a preliminary visit to the confec-
toner's. remembering that there are chill
dren In the household. She always hap
pens to have with her the last new book
of which the world is talking, and her
fund of games, riddles and anecdotes is
some bit of fancy work on hand, upon
which she stitches ndustriously and with
intense and absorbing interest whenever
there happens to be dearth of other oc-
cupation, or suddenly remembers an
amusing story that she has brought to
read to US. Best of all, she is ready for
anything and enjoys everything. nothing
comes amiss. She is an appreciative audi
ence to the children's small efforts on
the piano or at recitation. She tells them
stories. plays games with them She is
interested in the little girls doll. for
which she will make "a love of bonnet"
and In the boys collection of
stamps or butterflies, over which
she wonders to his hearts. content, and
never by chance refers TO his geological
specimens as Stones" Every servant
is her devoted slave. She remembers
them all by name, has a bright word for
each, and by way of thanking one seems
to confer an obligation.
There is a universal protest when the
time comes for her departure, but she
has always made an engagement else
where, which we suspect is Intentionally
prearranged lest she be over-persuaded
TO wear her welcome out"
This last idea is to be commended. A
provisory sort of engagement, made 50
as to be a little elastic. enables one TO
prolong ones visit, if it be really desired
by all parties, or will serve as a reason
for not accepting, if we wish to go, or
our invitation seem merely prompted by
politeness.
A bit of sentiment in the form of
'guest-book" is sometimes the fad Of
hostess. One should welcome any oppor-
tunity to give her pleasure.
In case of a protracted visit, where the
011Qgt fits into the family life OOa Oaada