LADIES' BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.
48
Be
dressed and ready to receive your guests in gocd season, as some, in their desire to be punctual, may come It is better to be ready too before the time appointed. Boon, than too late, as your guests will feel painfully embarrassed if you are not ready to receive them.
For the early part of the evening, take a
position in
your parlor, near or opposite to the door, that each guest may find you easily. It is not necessary to remain all the evening nailed to this one spot, but stay near it Late until your guests have all or nearly all assembled. comers will of course expect to find you entertaining
your guests. As each guest or party enter the room, advance a few steps to meet them, speaking first to the lady, or if there are several ladies, to the eldest, then to the younger If the new comers ones, and finally to the gentlemen. are acquainted with those already in the room, they will leave you, after a few words of greeting, to join their friends ; but if they are strangers to the city, or making their first visit to your house, introduce them to a friend who is well acquainted in your circle, who will entertain
them
till
you can again join them and introduce .them
to
others.
Do
not leave the room during the evening.
To
see
a hostess fidgeting, constantly going in and out. argues ill for her tact in arranging the nouse for company.
With
well-trained waiters, you' need give yourself no uneasiness about the arrangements outside of the parlors.
The
perfection of good breeding in a hostess,
is
perfect