_But evil is wrought by want of thought,
As well as want of heart._
--Hood.
1) Before talking with others at a party greet your hostess; then the
older people present; finally, the young people.
2) As a guest you are not expected to say good-by to everybody; but
never leave without saying good-by to your hostess and expressing
appreciation of her efforts to give you pleasure.
3) Coöperate with your hostess in trying to make everyone present happy.
If you fail to pay this courtesy to your hostess, you stamp yourself as
an undesirable guest.
4) If the function is a dance, boys, avoid too many consecutive dances
with the same girl. Confining your attentions noticeably to the same
girl makes her conspicuous and mars the general pleasure.
5) Girls, decline consecutive dances with the same boy. Do it
graciously, explaining that you would like to accept, but must not be
selfish. If he is the right sort, he will understand at once, or come to
his senses later. If he is offended, don't worry about it; it is not
worth while.
6) Pay some kindly attention to the girls who do not dance all of the
time. They will feel grateful, your hostess will feel grateful, you will
feel better satisfied than if you neglect them.
7) Never refrain from dancing if any girl present is without a partner
for that number. To refrain is selfish in you, and discourteous to both
the girl and your hostess.
8) Girls, don't quit one of your friends to go and whisper with another.
Such an action is sure to be considered unkind and inconsiderate.
9) Train your eye to see how you may add to the enjoyment of all, or of
a single one, and act promptly. Incidentally, you thus add to your own
enjoyment. Often think of Tennyson's words:--
For manners are not idle, but the fruit
Of loyal nature and of noble mind.