pouring over our land as fast as periodicals,
books and manufacturers can take it. Three thousand miles east and west,
two thousand miles north and south, white tiled bathrooms have sprung like
mushrooms seemingly in a single night, charming houses, enchanting
gardens, beautiful cities, cultivated people, created in thousands upon
thousands of instances in the short span of one generation. Certain great
houses abroad have consummate quality, it is true, but for every one of
these, there are a thousand that are mediocre, even offensive. In our own
country, beautiful houses and appointments flourish like field flowers in
summer; not merely in the occasional gardens of the very rich, but
everywhere.

And all this means? Merely one more incident added to the many great facts
that prove us a wonderful nation. (But this is an aside merely, and not to
be talked about to anyone except just ourselves!) At the same time it is
no idle boast that the world is at present looking toward America; and
whatever we become is bound to lower or raise the standards of life. The
other countries are old, we are youth personified! We have all youth's
glorious beauty and strength and vitality and courage. If we can keep
these attributes and add finish and understanding and perfect taste in
living and thinking, we need not dwell on the Golden Age that is past, but
believe in the Golden Age that is sure to be.

=INDEX=

Acceptance of an invitation, 122-123;
to a formal dinner, 187-188;
to an informal dinner, 125;
to a wedding, 111.

Acknowledgment of Christmas presents, 407-408;
of wedding presents, 320;
of messages of condolence, 406-408.

Address, forms of. See: Forms of address.

Address, notification of, 180;
by bride and groom, 108-109.

Address on envelopes, 460, 486, 488;
on letters, 450, 455, 460, 461;
on visiting cards, 74-76.

Afternoon parties, chapter on, 165-176.

Afternoon teas. See: Teas.

Ambassador, close of letter to, 456;
function of in presentation at court, 609;
how to address, 488;
how to announce as a guest, 214;
how to introduce, 4, 489.

Americans abroad, 604-616.

Announcement of a death, 390;
of an engagement, 89, 304-306, 309;
of a second marriage, 108;
of a wedding,106-107.

Announcing dinner, 217.

Announcing guests, at afternoon tea, 167;
at