The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-12-22

and I Just dread 10 go and this great person,
but / must 60: / cannot escape. Can yen give
me any hints as 10 how I should treat this LADY,
Sincerely yours, TIMID GIRL.
Answer-My dear child. you have been
very incorrectly informed. The higher
the rank the simpler. more affable the
person II Is only parvenues who are
supercllious and naughty, and they are
so because they seek to impress people
With being what they are not: but they
do not know the hallmark OF true nObil-
ity and their attitude defeats their pur-
pose Treat your noble lady as you
would treat any other lady Of her age,
with the Difference and courtesy due from
little girl to an older woman Make
your courtesy on entering and be sure
that you will find yourself clasped IN
warm. sympathetic arms. and that seated
cozily by her side you will soon be tell
ing your old friend all Of your hearts
secrets.
6. Question: have lived in Washington an MY
life, and Tor 10y years I lave been associated
in church and charitable work with another lady
who has lived in Washington all her life. We
belong 10 the same social strata and 10 the set
that are called Cave DEecrS Our parents
knew each other were intimate friends IN fact
qreutly, have never called each other.
Now Mrs has asked mt 10 call uPon her
and have asked her 20 call upon me. but some
how, We have not yet exchanged visits. VIII
kindly tell who should take the initiative,
Mrs - or I?
Answer-In making social advances the
elder woman should invariably take the
initiative.
Z. Qusstion-wH you tell me suitable
present 70 make 10 a young Of literary tastes
TO whom I am not yet engaged. but hope to be.
Answer-A book, naturally. il. as you
say. the young woman has literary tastes.
and there is such an embarrassment of
riches in books Almost any classic
would be acceptable. but II she has lit
erary tastes il is safe 10 assume that she
has fair library already. In poetry the
oxford Book Of Verse" never comes
amiss. in recent prose the various
volumes Of essays. THE Thread Of Gold, %
The House Of Quiet" ard The Upton
Letters" by Arthur Benson. are sure TO be
acceptable. and the books OF travel illus
trated by Mendes with the ietter-press by
his daughter are enchanting.
e. Question-what is the proper form in address
ing the President Of the United Statesl
Answer-AIr President. ola fashioned
people sometimes use the phrase your
eXcellency," but there is no warrant for
this form. and il is unusual
g Question-At a dinner should all the quests
stand up until the hostess is seated
Answer-It was formerly the custom for
every one TO remain standing until the
hostess had taken her seat. but at large
dinners this was found 10 be so awkward
and 10 give rise 10 SO much confusion
that il has become the fashion for the
woman guests 10 seat themselves imme-
diately their chairs are found The men
remain standing until both the host and
hostess are ready 70 sit down
10. Question: aE a foreigner and the
other day being invited 70 luncheon pre-
sented mysef IN M evening clothes Imagine my
embarrassment 20 and that / was the only person
present dressed all of the other men guests wore
morning clothes frock coats. Is Il customary IN
America 70 30 alfred 20 a formal functiony On
The Continent a. you doubtless know. II IS De
r1Ieur 10 appear az al formal functions in what we
term our dress clothes.
Answer-It is never customary in Amer
lea 10 wear ones evening clothes TO any
function that takes place by day. though.
as you say. II IS perfectly proper. indeed
good form requires II in Europe.
Il Question-Just what course should I pursue 10
obtain for some English friends. Who viii shortly