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 Q. How is a formal invitation written?

A. All formal invitations, whether they are to be engraved or to be written by hand (and their acceptances and regrets) are invariably in the third person.

Q. Are invitations ever written on visiting cards?

A. Invitations to an informal dance, musical, bridge, tea, etc. are often written on visiting cards. The hostess writes across her ordinary visiting card

Q. In replying to a formal invitation to a tea or to a shower is it correct to use a visiting card?

A. It is quite correct to send a card in such a case. If you are accepting, you should write under your name, “Accepts with pleasure for Monday, April 9.” If you are declining the wording should be “Declines with regret for Monday, April 9.”

The answers are always formally worded.

Q. Should a formal acceptance of an invitation be dated?

A. It should not be dated. Be careful to include in the reply the time given to the invitation.

Q. Should the tissue paper that comes with engraved invitations be sent with the invitations to the guests?

A. Tissue paper should not be folded in with the invitations.

Q. Please give form of formal invitations for use at a Colonial party.

A. In the museum of the D. A. R. Continental Hall is a copper plate made in 1767 upon which an invitation to a dance is engraved. The form is: Mr. and Mrs. Blank—Present their Compliments—to Miss Doe—And ask the Favour—of Miss Doe’s Company—at a Dance—at the Town House—on Thursday at the Commencement.—N. B. This Admission to Be Delivered at the Door.

Q. Are invitations by telephone proper?

A. Yes, to informal affairs where the persons invited are friends. Some hostesses have telephone invitations rather formally made by servants, which may save embarrassment.

Q. Is it permissible to ask for an invitation to a social affair for a friend who has not been invited?

A. Only in case you have a house guest, and the hostess is a close friend and the affair a large one and not a dinner. In that event you may inquire whether your house guest may be brought to the party.

Q. If one does not catch the name of the person to whom he is introduced is it all right to ask that the name be repeated?

A. It is correct merely to nod in acknowledgment and say, “I beg your pardon, I did not hear your name,” or one may say, “I’m sorry, but I did not hear the name.” Address yourself to the stranger when you wish the name repeated, and make your request simply, directly, and with calm dignity.

Q. If a lady is seated when she receives an introduction to a gentleman, should she rise?

A. When a man is introduced to a