The indistinctness with which people who introduce often pronounce a name
is not infrequently the cause of awkwardness. The failure to hear is no
fault on the part of those introduced, but rather a mishap chargeable to
the person who brings them together. In this case, try to think of
something besides "I didn't catch the name;" that is so cut and dried. Say
rather, "I'm sorry, but I didn't understand Mrs. A. when she presented
me." Forgetting a name in the act of introducing someone is a much more
grievous failure; it speaks for your own social unaccustomedness, and is a
poor compliment to the person you introduce. Do not attempt an
introduction unless you are sure of your names.

One of the society woman's most necessary accomplishments is the ability
to remember names and fit them to the individual to whom they belong. It
is an art she should sedulously cultivate.

[MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 687]

It is not etiquette, but misplaced politeness, to perform what may be
termed casual introductions--as in accidental encounters. Never introduce
on the street, unless your acquaintance is to join you. Don't introduce in
a street car or any public conveyance. In "our best
society"--so-called--it is not considered good form to introduce people in
church. People do not go to church for social purposes. In village
neighborhoods and the less fashionable city churches, this rule is often
violated in the vestibule, where acquaintances linger to greet each other
and introductions are not infrequent. But in the body of the church--the
space set apart for purposes of worship--an introduction is wholly out of
place.

Try to remember family relationships and feuds, that you may not attempt
to introduce those at enmity with each other. A woman once introduced, at
a crowded function, two sisters who had not recognized each other for
years, and afterwards exulted in having "made them speak." Their manners
were far superior to hers.

In Company.--At a reception or dinner-party it is perfectly proper for
those who have never been introduced to converse with each other without
such formality. The roof under which they meet confers the privilege.
Indeed, it is often the greatest kindness to speak to a shy person or one
who evidently has few acquaintances present, relieving his embarrassment
and putting him at ease. Not to reply courteously to such overtures is
great rudeness. The story is told of a prominent society woman who
addresse