The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1901-11-10
Something -Nbouf chaperons.
Their Use and J4buse.


spicuous.
--'What are the moments in life most
likely to be remembered?" asked ono
clever woman of another. ''Those in
which we forgot ourselves" was the an
swer, given with a sigh.
a girl is sometimes glad to intrench
herself behind the bulwarks that society
has reared about her. to defend herself
from unwelcome devotion or attentions.
The Proper Chaperon.
A chaperon should be an example 10
her young charges In the conventions,
and all social questions should be refer
red to her. She should therefore be en-
phatically gentlewoman, knowing the
usages of polite society: her reputation.
of course, above question.
A European father who had lost his
wife would never place a yonng unmar-
ried daughter at the head of his house
without a resident chaperon. and the i'm
propriety of doing so Is now acknowi-
edged with us.
There are not wanting in this country
of financial ups and downs, ladies who
are qualified in every way for such po-
sition Such a one should be treated by
every one in the household as though she
were the social equal and entitled to the
same Difference as the lady of the house
whom she represents. Then. and only
then can she do justice to the position
and give to the young girl what she needs
A Chaperon's Duties.
The chaperon should endeavor to see
that hospitable doors are open to her
charge; that well bred and agreeable
young men are presented u her. and 1t
is her responsibility that the girl rccipro-
Gates the attentions that she receives III
a manner BETTING her position.
Much tact Is necessary not to draw the
rein too tightly. A leading strap would
be the better figure; that leaves the
young subject free, but checks readily
when II Is necessary. chaperon must
be careful never to antagonze her charge
or appear to watch her. She should re-
spect the privacy OF her letters. and never
take the opportunity TO rebuke or con-
denim when confidence Is given. Indeed.
her only chance of success is to win the
girls real respect and affection, and then
encourage confidence In order to be able
to act for her good and advantage and
never from personal motives or curiosity.
Ii Is her duty, however. TO reprove her
charge II she Is careless In her demeanor
with young men. All invitations to men
should be given in the name Of the moth
er or chaperon
In travelling through Europe young
girls may go almost anywhere under
proper chaperonage-to theatcrs, operas,
studios and into society. Only when in
trerched within the digniheo position of
a worker can Il young woman dispense
with the demand of etiquette for chape-
ron
young man regardfu OF the proprle-
ties never asks n girl to accompany him
to any place OF amusement without either
extending the invitation 20 her mother or
chaperon or asking some married woman
of suitable age and position TO accompany
them.
Under exceptional circumstances n
young brother has sometimes been al
lowed to fill the position Of duenna. prob
ably because OF a boys well known repu-
tation Of allowing nothing to escape his
observation, and reticence not being a
conspicuous characteristic.
theater party OF young persons I'M
chaperoned would be considered as quite
beyond the pale Of good society In New
York.
The host calls first for the chaperon
before going for the young woman, unless
II Is arranged that they are to meet at
her house. At a supper after the theater
he seats that lady first and treats her as
the guest of honor.
An entertainment at mans bachelor
apartments at the annex OF his club or
az isStauIuHt oi reputation may be en-
Joyed by young girls properly chaperoned
One of his own married kinswomen
would give much dignity To the gayety.
When lady Is invited to be chaperon
for special occasion, a carriage Is al
ways sent TO take her to the place APP
pointed, If the host does not call for her.
and returns to take her home.
An Agreeable Chaperon.
A chaperon should endeavor to make
herself so agreeable that her society will
not be more of penance to the young
man who falls to her lot than she can
help. She need not talk down" To him.
and In her conversation she should re-
member that the young do not enjoy
grave subjects when merriment has been
the object Of their meeting. Neither
should she try to place herself on his
level and assume airs Of juyenillty. She
Will only appear ridiculous to the keen