Invitations. These need no acknowledgment.
Given by bachelors.
See BACHELORS' TEAS.
Afternoon.
See AFTERNOON TEAS.
High.
See HIGH TEA.
TELEPHONE INVITATIONS. Telephone invitations should
be sent only to those with whom the utmost
intimacy exists, and who will pardon the
informality.
THEATRE. A young man may invite a young woman
to the theatre or opera, even if he has but a
slight acquaintance with her, but of course
he should secure the permission of her parents
or chaperone.
It is correct for the young man to inquire
if the young woman prefers a box, or, if not,
he should state in what part of the house he
proposes to secure seats. This will enable
her to determine how to dress.
If the young woman wears street toilette,
her escort may take her in any public conveyance,
but if she wears evening dress, he
should provide a carriage.
At the theatre he should precede the woman
down the aisle to the seat or box; but if it is
the latter, he should open the door and wait
for her to pass.
A man may use his judgment as to the aisle
seat. If a better view can be had, or seemingly
objectionable people are next the inside
seat, it is perfectly proper to give the woman
the aisle seat.
A man should never leave his companion
between the acts. The custom of both men
and women going into the foyer at that time
is a growing one, and is a relief to the
audience.
Refreshments at some fashionable place
may follow after the entertainment.
For a man to call on an acquaintance in an
opera box does not relieve one of the duty of
making a formal call in return for social
favors.
BONNET. A woman of any consideration will
either wear no bonnet at all or remove it as
soon as the curtain is raised.
It would be in place for a man or woman
whose view is hampered by a bonnet to politely
ask the wearer to remove it, and when
it is done, to thank her.
MEN--LEAVING CARDS. After a theatre party
given by a man, he should call within three
days on the woman he escorted or leave his
card.
PRECEDENCE. In entering a theatre a man precedes
the women of his party, but after he
has handed his coupons to the ushers he
gives the women precedence, and follows
them to their seats.
TALKING. Conversation during the progress of
the play or the opera should be avoided, and
confined to the intermissions.
The theatregoer should avoid all noise,
gestures, or actions tending to annoy others
or to render himself conspicuous.
A man would be justified, when annoyed
by a person talking loud near him, in asking
him politely to speak lower.