to be made a
subject of conversation.

It is not good form to talk of the cost of articles or mention money
affairs in company.

The social aspirant should cultivate the art of saying polite nothings
acceptably. Small talk is the small change of social life.

One should be prompt at dinner, a card-party or a musicale.

At a dancing-party the hostess does not dance, as a rule, during the first
part of the evening. She receives her guests and sees that the women are
provided with partners.

A man who dances should pay his hostess the courtesy of inviting her to
dance. He should certainly dance with her daughter.

Engaged couples should be careful to avoid demonstrations of affection or
preoccupation in each other while in company.

Remember--

That the salt-shaker is out of favor; the open salt cellar and the
salt-spoon are much preferred.

Never cut bread; break it with the fingers. Never butter a large piece, or
spread it in the palm of your hand.

The finger-bowl will be brought on a plate with a doily under it.

Lift both from the plate to the table. The plate is then ready for the
fruit course.

Black coffee--cafe noir--is usually served without cream. Cut loaf sugar
is passed with it.

If a visitor for one meal only, the napkin is not folded at the conclusion
of a meal. If staying a day or two follow the practice of the hostess.

Creme de menthe is served before the coffee, in small liquor glasses.

Do not break bread or crackers into the soup nor tip the plate to obtain
the last of it.

Do not play with crumbs, or finger knife or spoon.

Never touch a knife to fish or salad.

[788 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Remember--

Do not move glass, spoon, etc., when the maid brushes the crumbs from the
cloth.

Knife and fork are laid upon the plate, tines of the latter upward, when
the plate is passed for a second helping. This "second help" is permitted
only at family or informal dinners.

A host must not urge food upon a guest after it has once been declined.

Lift the cup or glass to the lips, instead of bending toward it. Do not
throw the head back and raise the cup to get the last of its contents.

Remember--

To prepare a list of the members of the family who will go to the cemetery
at a funeral, for the undertaker's guidance, arranging them in the order
of the relationship.

Flowers should be sent early in the morning of the day of interment, or on
the previous afternoon. Acknowledgment