is a species of endorsement for all, and, better still, this
sociability carries with it no after obligations, because, since they
are not introduced, they are not acquainted. In this country, owing
probably to the unfortunate frequency of introductions among us, a
certain chill pervades the atmosphere when a portion of the guests are
unacquainted with one another, for, as a rule, no one here attempts to
converse without having been properly presented.

In metropolitan circles, however, this is not so much the case, and
as our country glows older it is to be hoped that "a change will come
o'er the spirit of our dream" in this respect, thus lessening the
present responsibility of our hostesses, who, torn between two
opposing factions, feel that "If I introduce Mrs. So-and-so to Mrs.
Blank she will never forgive me, and if I do not introduce Mrs. Blank
to Mrs. So-and-so I shall have made a mortal enemy."

At a party given in behalf of a _debutante_ she is to be introduced to
every lady present, and every gentleman is to be presented to her. In
case there should be a distinguished guest present at any
entertainment, all other guests must be made acquainted with the
favored one.

You May Introduce Yourself.

There are also times when it is eminently proper to introduce one's
self, such as when you find upon entering a drawing room that the
hostess has forgotten your name; or if it should have been wrongly
announced; or if you are an entire stranger to the hostess, it is not
only proper, but imperative, to introduce yourself at once. Then, too,
it occasionally happens that a gentleman, wishing to render some
assistance to a lady who is traveling alone, prefers to introduce
himself beforehand. This, of course, leaves the lady perfectly free to
recognize him or not at any future time. Occasions such as these are
constantly arising, and tact and judgment must be used to decide the
question for one's self.

Watering-place introductions are frequently given for the convenience
and pleasure of the time being. They are usually made by the eldest
lady of either party and further recognition in the future is
optional.

Do not introduce people in public places. Do not, even if a friend
should overtake you and walk by your side for some distance, or should
meet and talk with you, introduce him to another friend with whom you
are also walking. You may do it, however, in exceptional cases. Do
not, as a rule, introduce two peop