men, he walks on the outside and the women on the inside of the street.
Q. If a man meets a woman acquaintance as they are both about to take a street car or bus, should he pay her fare?
A. This is not necessary but is very often done.
Q. When did people stop bowing when meeting on the street?
A. Many people still incline the head slightly when speaking to acquaintances on the street. The deep bow or curtsy of women and the waist-deep bend of men had been modified to a great extent by 1860.
Q. When does a man lift his hat to other men?
A. In recognizing clergymen or distinguished or elderly men of his acquaintance.
Q. Is a chauffeur employed by a private family supposed to speak to his own friends when driving for his employer?
A. A chauffeur employed by a private family does not greet friends while he is driving for his employer.
Q. Is it correct for a gentleman to assist a lady by carrying her wraps, or any packages that she happens to have?
A. It is correct for a man to carry a woman’s wraps or packages. It is, however, not necessary for him to do so, and some women prefer to carry their own.
Q. Why is a man supposed to remove his hat in the present of a lady?
A. The origin of this custom has not been established. Some authorities attribute it to a medieval custom which required that a knight lift his visor in the presence of a lady.
Q. When a person inadvertently jars against another should he say “Pardon me” or “Excuse me”?
A. “Pardon me” is not good form. He may say “Excuse me,” “I beg your pardon,” or “Sorry!”
AT THE THEATER
Q. When entertaining a theater party should the seats be in a box?
A. The most fashionable New Yorkers rarely occupy boxes at the theater, except at the opera. This is due to the fact that the best seats in the theater are those in the center of the orchestra.
Q. Is it considered fashionable to arrive late at the theater?
A. It is very bad form to arrive late for any public entertainment. If it is unavoidable, one should wait in the rear of the theater or auditorium until the first intermission, or until under cover of applause he may take his seat without inconveniencing those seated near him.
Q. Does a man precede a woman when going down a theater aisle?
A. This depends upon whether the usher takes the checks at the head of the aisle. If this is the case, the woman goes first. If the couple starts down the aisle to meet the usher, the man goes first and hands the checks to the usher. He then stands aside while the woman takes her place, and then takes his.
Q. When a man is obliged to pass a woman when taking his seat in the theater, should he face her or pass with his back to her?
A. A person crossing in front of another when taking his seat should al-
