owest rank should be introduced
to the lady of highest rank; in no case should the lady of highest rank
be introduced to the lady of lowest rank. This point of etiquette should
always be strictly observed.

* * * * *

=A Gentleman should always be introduced to a Lady=, whatever his rank
may be, without reference to her rank, whatever it may be. This rule is
invariable, and is based upon the privilege of the sex--"_place aux
dames_."

It is not usual to ascertain a gentleman's wishes as to whether he will
be introduced to a lady or not, although at a ball it is usual to do so
when the introduction is made for a special object, viz., that of
obtaining a partner for a lady; and as a gentleman may be either unable
or unwilling to ask the lady to dance, it is incumbent to ascertain
beforehand whether the introduction is desired or not, otherwise the
introduction would be of no avail for the purpose, and prove a
disappointment to the lady.

"Would you like to be introduced to Miss A----?" or some such polite
phrase (see "The Art of Conversing"), is the sort of formula by which to
ascertain a gentleman's wishes as to an introduction in the ball-room;
as ball-room introductions are understood to mean an intention on the
part of a gentleman to ask a lady to dance or to take her in to supper.

In general society, gentlemen are supposed to seek, rather than to avoid
the acquaintance of ladies, irrespective of whatever sets in society to
which they belong. It is immaterial to a gentleman in which set in
society his acquaintances move, and he can be polite to all without
offending any in their several circles.

With regard to his own sex a gentleman is generally as exclusive as to
the acquaintanceships which he forms, as is a lady with regard to the
acquaintanceships which she forms. Reciprocity of taste is the basis on
which acquaintanceships between men are established, subject, in a
certain measure, to social position; though this rule is itself subject
to wide exceptions.

It is the rule for a gentleman to ask a mutual friend, or an
acquaintance, for an introduction to a lady, and it is the received rule
to do so when a gentleman desires to be introduced to any lady in
particular; but gentlemen do not ask to be introduced to each other,
unless some special reason exists for so doing--some reason that would
commend itself to the person whose acquaintance was desired, as well as
to the pers