INDIAN ETIQUETTE
It is the custom that those who wish to be invited to Government House
(Viceregal House) at Simla, or elsewhere, should, immediately on
arrival, write their names in the visitors' book kept for that purpose,
and they are sure, if in general society, to be asked to one or more of
the receptions held during the season. They are introduced to the
Vice-Queen--as the wife of the Viceroy is termed--by one of the
_aides-de-camp_ in waiting.
When a lady is the wife of a Government official, it gives her a
position in society in India which perhaps she would not otherwise have,
and is in itself a passport to most functions. Official rank is
everything in India.
* * * * *
=As regards attending the Viceregal Drawing-rooms=, they are only held
in Calcutta and in the evening. If a lady has been presented at a Court
in England, she can attend a Drawing-room in Calcutta; but, if she has
not been presented at home, she must be introduced by some other lady
who has been presented at the Viceregal Court.
In writing unofficially to the Governor-General of India, it would not
be correct to use the title of "Viceroy," and the proper superscription
is "His Excellency The Right Hon."; or, if a Duke, "His Excellency The
Duke of ----"; or, if a Marquis, "His Excellency The Most Honble.
Marquis of ----," etc.
To the wife of a Viceroy the address should be "Her Excellency the
Duchess of ----," "Her Excellency The Marchioness of ----," "Her
Excellency The Countess of ----"; or "Her Excellency The Lady Blank," if
the wife of a Baron.
When addressing a Viceroy or Vice-Queen colloquially or unofficially,
"Your Excellency" should not be used in either case. The title only in
both instances should be employed.
On being introduced to either of their Excellencies, it would be correct
to curtsy.