Letter to Kitty

Southland Times, Issue 22750, 28 November 1935, Page 12

Letter to Kitty

My dear Kitty, Elections, of course, are the biggest events in our lives at the moment. When you read this all the excitement will be over and the burning question of license, to be or not to be, will be decided. I would ask you to turn your thoughts for a few minutes from these momentous things to an art, gentle and important in its own small way—the art of being a good guest. We all know that the art of being a good hostess is cultivated by intelligent women, but many overlook the art of being a good guest. To be a good guest is an essential quality, Kitty, and should be studied carefully. Perhaps the most important point is to know when to go. Always bid your hostess farewell while she is still enjoying your visit. Never wait until she longs for you to go—you won’t be asked again if you do. Another important point is to be able to occupy yourself while your hostess is employed in carrying out her daily duties in the house. She enjoys these duties and while she would, in some cases, be glad of your assistance, she would probably rather you took vourself out of her way with a book or some knitting. It is a great deal easier for her to go ahead with her jobs as usual than to waste time explaining to you how they should be done. Remember your hostess when your stay is oyer and give or send her some little thing in recognition for her hospitality. Flowers are always acceptable. Keep your eyes open and you will probably discover something she needs or would like for her house. Make a point of fitting in with the family and its plans —always be punctual for meals and strive to entertain yourself to a certain extent. My love to you, JANE.