=Funerals.=--When a death occurs in a family, as soon as the day and
hour for the funeral are fixed, a member of the family should write to
those relatives and friends it is desired should follow, and should ask
them to attend, unless the date, time, and place of the funeral, and the
train by which to travel to the cemetery, are mentioned in the
newspaper, together with the announcement of the death.

* * * * *

=It is a Mistake to suppose that Friends= will offer to attend a
funeral, even if they are aware of the date fixed, as they are naturally
in doubt as to whether the mourners are to include the members of the
family only, or whether friends are to be included also.

* * * * *

=In the Country, when a Doctor= has attended a family for some years,
it is usual to invite him to attend the funeral of one of its members.
In town this is seldom done, unless a medical man is the intimate friend
of the family.

In the country the clergyman of the parish reads the funeral service,
but in town, when the funeral takes place at Kensal Green, Brookwood
Cemetery, or elsewhere, a friend of the family is usually asked to
officiate; in which case it is necessary to make an early application
at the office of the cemetery for the use of the chapel at a
particular hour.

* * * * *

=It is customary for Ladies to attend= the funeral of a relative if
disposed to do so, in which case they wear their usual mourning attire,
and follow in their own carriages.

* * * * *

=The Doctor's Certificate= as to the cause of death is of primary
importance, and should be obtained at the earliest possible moment.

* * * * *

=Memorial Cards should not be sent= on the death of a relative, being
quite out of date as regards fashion and custom.

* * * * *

=Wreaths and Crosses= of white flowers are very generally sent by
relatives and friends to a house of mourning the day of the funeral,
unless "No flowers, by request" follows the announcement of the death.

When the funeral takes place before two o'clock, the friends should be
invited to luncheon. When it takes place in the afternoon, they should
be asked to return to the house for tea or light refreshment.

CHAPTER XLIII

ENGAGED

It greatly depends upon the views held by parents as to