As the work is not the authorship of any one individual, and as no individual, whatever may be his acquirements, could have the presumption to dictate rules for the conduct of society in general, it is therefore only claimed that it is a careful compilation from all the best and latest authorities upon the subject of etiquette and kindred matters, while such additional material has been embraced within its pages, as, it is hoped, will be found of benefit and interest to every American household. J.H.Y. [Illustration] Contents. CHAPTER I. PAGE. INTRODUCTORY 13 CHAPTER II. MANNERS. Good manners as an element of worldly success--Manner an index of character--The true gentleman--The true lady--Importance of trifles--Value of pleasing manners--Personal appearance enhanced and fortunes made by pleasing manners--Politeness the outgrowth of good manners 20 CHAPTER III. INTRODUCTIONS. Acquaintances thus formed--Promiscuous, informal and casual introductions--Introduction of a gentleman to a lady and a lady to a gentleman--Introduction at a ball--The manner of introduction--Introducing relatives--Obligatory introductions--Salutations after introduction--Introducing one's self--Letters of introduction--How they are to be delivered--Duty of a person to whom a letter of introduction is addressed--Letters of introduction for business purposes 31 CHAPTER IV. SALUTATIONS. The salutation originally an act of worship--Its form in different nations--The bow, its proper mode--Words of salutation--Manner of bowing--Duties of the young to older people--How to avoid recognition--Etiquette of handshaking--Kissing as a mode of salutation--The kiss of friendship--The kiss of respect 42 CHAPTER V. ETIQUETTE ON CALLS. Morning calls--Evening calls--Rules for formal calls--Calls at Summer resorts--Reception days--Calls made by cards--Returning the first call--Calls after a betrothal takes place--Forming new acquaintance by calls--The first call, by whom to be made--Calls of Congratulation--Visits of condolence--Keeping an account of calls--Evening visits--"Engaged" or "not at home" to callers--General rules relative to calls--New Year's calls 52 CHAPTER VI. ETIQUETTE ON VISITING. General invitations not to be accepted--The limit of a prolonged visit--Duties of a visitor--Duties of the host or hostess--True hospitality--Leave-taking--Invitations to guests--Forbearance with children--Guests making presents--Treatment of a host's friends 69 CHAPTER VII. ETIQUETTE OF CARDS.