A FEW WORDS ON INTRODUCTIONS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXXX, Issue 2130, 8 February 1909, Page 2

A FEW WORDS ON INTRODUCTIONS.

In making an introduction, the gentleman is always presented to the lady, and when there is a wide difference in age, the younger lady to the older. It is sufficient simply Lo mention the two names, as “Mrs. Brown, Mr. Gray,” but rather more dignified and elegant to say, “Mrs. Brown, allow me to introduce (or “to present”) Mr. Gray.” When people are introduced to each other, the most graceful thing to do is for each to make a slight bow and pronounce the other's name. It is perfectly good form, however, to say, “How do you do, Mr. Gray ? or “Mrs. Brown ?” if one prefers to do so ; but il is in reality rather meaningless, as naturally one cannot be greatly concerned about the health of a new acquaintance. Anoth'r conventional reply to an introduction is, “1 am happy to meet you.” or “I flighted to meet

you.” This is used rather more by men than by women ; but it is good form for either sex. A daughter or a son should always introduce young people to the mother or father by saying.

“Mother, this is Miss Mary 'White, or “Father, let me introduce Mr Smith. ”

When a gentleman is presented to her a lady always bows and remains seated. But when the introduction is mad" between two ladies.

“ Should the one who is sitting down rise to acknowledge it ?” is the question that is continually cropping up in one form or another. On the face of il, to rise immediately would be an awkward thing Lo do, unless 1 hr' lady were very old, and one wished to show extreme respect. So. in the ordinary lorm of introduction between two ladies, it would not be necessary lor the one who is sitting down to rise unless they entered into conversation, when to rise, if (he other lady remained standing, would be imperative.

A hostess alun.'S makes a point of rising to receive all visitors as they arrive, unless she is a very elderly lady, and she naturally rises when limy approach her to take their leave.

Sometimes at an afternoon tea or

“at home,” when the hostess happens to be talking to one visitor when another enters the room, the first visitor is in doubt as to whether she should rise on this occasion or remain seated, and oiten she half-rises from her seat, thinks the better of it, and reseats herself, all the time rather uncertain whether or not she has done the right thing. Now, the best form prescribes that if the last comer is a stranger to her she should take no notice of her approach, and should neither rise nor attempt to do so; but if she knows the newcomer, after the hostess has shaken hands and said a few words, she should rise and come forward to do likewise.