Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1901-09-08
THE DUTIES OF A GUEST.
The Second of Mrs Burton
kingsland's Interesting
and instructive Articles
Upon Social Etiquette.

Copyright 1901, by DOUBLEDAY Page Coz
1t does not require a Solomon 10
draw up code of laws for the conduct
of a guest. One may say, 1T is not
difficult role to play" and yet any one
who has had the least experience In
entertaining knows that one guest may
be a kill-joy and another an insplra-
ton.
1t begins with the invitation. A
ready acceptance Is flattering, and
prompt regret an evidence OF good
breeding and thoughtful consideration.
1t is mistaken idea that a tardy re-
greet seems to convey reIuc1ance.
Having accepted an invitation to dine
or visit at friends house, to quote a
well-known society leader, Nothing
but You own funeral should prevent
your keeping the engagement.
Punctaallty is said to be royal viz
tue, and the heads Of the nations set
an example Of tie most minute exacti-
tude in that respect as matter OF
pure courtesy. Nothing is mere trying
to the temper of hostess and cook than
beiated guests, and no one has the right
to sacrifice others to his convenience.
We should show ourselves Tespon-
siye to any effort made to entertain
us, De easily amused and let it be seen
| that we have come with the expectation
OF enjoying ourselves. There is an art
| in being entertained as well as in en-
! Pertaining. Nothing is so gratifying
! to hostess as happy, animated
| guest.
| AT a timer it is better to partake of
/ little of everything that is passed, or
at least take some upon ones plate. A
4 young or inexperienced hostess. observ-
| ing that her guests decline certain
/ dishes, thinks that she has made an un-
! fortunate selection, unadapted 10 their
tastes, or If one says. by way CT
| apology for refusing, II have already
eaten SO heartily" she may reproach
| herself with providing too hountifully
and recall all that she has heard OF
| the bad form OF those who thus err.
| Neither let US apologize for our appe-
| tites in taking some of everything,
| since that also implies an over-gener-
Gus provision. The golden rule is an
unfailing guide II is we'll to improve
any occasion of complimenting the
| tempting nature of the viands, and an
enthusiastic and spontaneous express
! sion of pleasure at the beauty OF the
| table arrangement or of any article
upon it does not come with bad grace
| from a guest where the feeling is sin
cere and If it be not done in "gusE-
| ing" manner.
| 1t is a mistake to think such remarks
! in bad taste, and that they make us
! appear as though unused ourselves TO
, luxurious surroundings. On the con-
trary, it is precisely those who are SEN
| sitive to beauty through its accustom.
| edness that are most forward in ex-
| pre- sing pleasure, or perhaps they
| know from experience that discrlm-
mating praise never gives offence. but
| is treasured by the hostess and recall
! ed with pleasure. Those who second
| the efforts OF their hostess instead OF
making demands upon her, who help
| her to entertain her guests, are those
whose presence comes to be considered
one OF the essentials Of a successful
| social event.
II 1t be necessary to withdraw early.
before the rest of the guests. it should
be done as quietly as possible, and the
farewell to ones hosts be as unstere-
otyped and as expressive of pleasure as
may be made consistent with truth
some think that even truth may be
stretched over a compliment.
In replying to an invitation to spend
a few days or more at a friends house
lit is not uncommon error. il obliged