our part, or social
inferiority on theirs. In this latter case it savors strongly of
patronage.

In speaking to people always give them their proper titles, as:
"Colonel," "Doctor Jones," "Professor Gray." Never make a practice of
saying: "That is so, Colonel," but, "That is so, Colonel Sharp."

In mentioning a married daughter, unless to a very intimate friend,
give her married title, as: "Mrs. Miller," or, "My daughter, Mrs.
Miller." In speaking of unmarried daughters, or of sons (unless to
servants), give them their Christian name, as Hattie or George, or
else mention them, and this is better before strangers, as: "My
daughter," or, "My son."

Misuse of Initials.

Never address persons by their initials, as: "Mrs. W.," "Miss C.,"
"Mr. D.;" give them instead their full name. Neither should you call
young ladies, "Miss Mollie," or "Miss Jennie;" "Miss Smith," or, "Miss
Brown," being in much better taste. Their Christian names should only
be used to distinguish them from other sisters. Never address people
by their Christian names unless very familiarly acquainted. This
practice savors of ill-breeding and is often very annoying to the
person so addressed.

In speaking of persons who are absent, mention them by their last
name, as: "Mrs. Roe," "Mr. Doe," unless the intimacy is very great;
even then care should be taken not to use their Christian names too
freely among persons to whom they may be strangers.

A wife in speaking of her husband should rather say "Mr. Smith," than
"My husband;" but, above all, let her refrain from referring to her
liege lord as "he," as if the whole wide world possessed no other
mortal to whom that pronoun was applicable. Husbands should follow the
same rules in referring to their wives.

Be careful not to interlard conversation with "sir," or "ma'am." In
Europe these terms are relegated to the use of the lower classes.

VISITING CARDS.

[Illustration]

Cards are the sign manual of society. Their use and development
belongs only to a high order of civilization. They accompany us, as
one writer has justly remarked, all the way from the cradle to the
grave. They begin with engraved announcements of the birth of a child,
then cards for its christening, and, later on, dainty little cards of
invitation for children's parties, until, in due time, the girl
crosses that line

"Where the brook and river meet
Womanhood and childhood sweet,"

sets up a card of her own