An introduction is virtually an assurance that the parties thus presented to each other are equals in point of desirability and reputation, and should on this account be very sparingly given, for no one can foresee what the result of an acquaintance will be. It is very annoying, after you have thus made two people acquainted, to learn that one has "cut" the other in some public manner. It is a reflection upon your judgement and good intentions. It may prove, however, that one or the other learns something derogatory of which you were ignorant, thus still further adding to your mortification and dismay.
     On this account there is a responsibility attached to the giving of introductions, which should not be assumed at random. It is better to err on the side of being too careful than not careful enough.

     At the same time it is always to be assumed that such persons as you meet at a friend's house are proper persons to be introduced to you. It is not, however, obligatory upon you to continue the acquaintance, unless you really wish to. There are cases where, by frequently meeting the same persons, and finding them very agreeable, and correct in their deportment, a friendship has sprung up which has proven mutually beneficial.

     Two ladies can, with propriety, converse, wherever they chance to meet, without the formality of an introduction. This free-masonry among women is very charming, we think.
     It is always easy to drop any acquaintance that proves undesirable.

     In England, among the higher social circles, it is quite the thing to address people you meet at friends' houses, and introductions are often disposed with. There, the fact of meeting under one roof, is deemed guarantee sufficient. In this country, where society is more mixed, it is considered the best etiquette for the hostess to introduce her guests to each other. If, through any inadvertence this form is omitted, persons of fine breeding will not hesitate to accept each other's polite advances. A frigid repulse of any courtesy offered is a direct insult to the friends under whose roof you are.
     It is very true that "A disagreeable woman can always find reasons enough for being chilling and formal; a fine-tempered woman can always find reasons enough for being agreeable."
     One should always acknowledge an introduction, even though you receive one to your greatest enemy, whom your host has unwittingly presented to you, even if once outside the door you resume your old dislike; still, while he is the guest of your friend, you should treat him politely, nor disturb the harmony which should prevail.
     Do not fancy because a lady or gentleman does not recognize you the next time you meet, that it is their intention to ignore you. One who is much in society sees so many people that it is impossible to remember all their faces, and some are preoccupied and not designedly neglectful.

     A direct cut is seldom excusable. Never cut any one unless you have grave reasons for wishing to discontinue their acquaintance. Some ladies shrink from recognising a poorly-dressed acquaintance, or one whose social position is not as good as their own. This feeling borders on snobbishness. At any rate it lowers the standard of right and wrong, and shows that you are deficient in kindness.
     A gentleman never refuses to bow respectfully to his servants on the street, and a lady should do the same. Her social standing must be far from firm if she fears that she will compromise herself by such civilities. There is no reason why a lady should bow first.
     The best way is for the one who sees the other first to bow, whether it be the lady or the gentleman.

     When two ladies are walking together, and are met by a gentleman known to one of the ladies, he should raise his hat politely to both. Or if a lady is met by two gentlemen, one of whom she knows, it is usual for both gentlemen to bow.
     When introductions take place, the name should be very distinctly pronounced. Some people are very careless about this. If you do not hear it plainly it is no disgrace, and it is well to say, "I beg your pardon, but I shall have to ask you whom I have the honour of addressing." It prevents awkward mistakes afterward.

     Never interrupt a conversation for the purpose of introducing any one.
     At a dance, do not present a young man to a lady without first asking her permission.
     Be very guarded about introducing titled foreigners to young ladies. Sometimes titles are not open to inspection.
     A pleasant form of introduction is, "Miss Brown, I wish you to know my friend, Miss C."

     A wife introduces her husband in the following manner: "This is my husband, Mr. Weston," and not "This is my husband." If he has a title she should add that, as "This is my husband, Judge Oswald." Some ladies feel delicate about this matter, but it is proper, as he thus obtains his correct status with strangers. A lady can always introduce the immediate members of her family without asking permission to do so. She pays strangers a compliment by this attention.
     In introducing any relative, the full name should be given, as "This is my cousin, Miss Mamie Morton," not "my cousin Mamie."

     When there is a marked difference in age, the younger lady should be presented to the older one, unless a superiority exists in position, when the private and unknown lady should be presented to the famous one. A gentleman is presented to a lady. But as we have said elsewhere, it is unwise to be too ready to give introductions.

     Always use the title a gentleman possesses. A clergyman is addressed as the Rev. Mr. Blagden; a doctor of divinity, as "the Rev. Dr. Mather;" a member of Congress as "Honourable."
     The usual form of introduction between equals in age or position is "Miss Kay, Miss Patterson." "Mr. Nagel, Mr. Thompson."

     No young lady of refinement will "scrape acquaintance" with one of the opposite sex. We cannot imagine an occasion where it is permissible. The origin of this term, "scraping acquaintance," is not of a character calculated to inspire one with admiration, but it is as lofty as the act itself. This old story is handed down to us from the times of a very illustrious personage -- the Roman Emperor, Adrian. Of course, we do not vouch for it. It is related of him that he was at the public baths one day when he saw one of his veteran soldiers scraping his body with a tile. The emperor ordered that his old comrade in field and fray should be supplied with better cleaning materials, and money.
     But his goodness seemed likely to be abused, for on another occasion he found a score of old soldiers who had fought under him standing in the water, while each was currying himself with a tile and wincing at the pain inflicted.
     The emperor perfectly understood the meaning of the sight; so he said to them:
     "Ah, my fine fellows, you had better scrape one another; for" he added, "you certainly shall not scrape acquaintance with me!"

     A young lady should not shake hands on being introduced. A modest bow is sufficient acknowledgement. This custom of hand-shaking, like many of our modern forms, is borrowed from the French. The impulsive warmth of their nature makes it natural for them to bestow a more hearty greeting than a mere nod, but Americans and English show more reserve with strangers.
     At a second meeting two ladies may offer their hands, but ladies seldom extend their hands to gentlemen, save to their most intimate friends. A lady is at her best when she exhibits a modest and retiring manner.
     On entering a parlour, if you are not recognised by the lady of the house, at once, refresh her memory by mentioning your name.
     The friend who is visiting at your house must be introduced to all callers, and they will in return, pay all attention in their power, such as inviting your guests to their house, planning little receptions, &c. during the period of their stay.
     It is also part of your duty as a hostess, to make a party in their honour, either when they first arrive, to present them to your friends, or on the evening previous to their departure, as a kindly farewell.

     When friends meet in the street, and pause for a moment's conversation, it is unnecessary to introduce a friend who may be with you. But if you prefer to do so, you may introduce them. Still, introductions of this nature do not compel either party to pursue the acquaintance, and a well-bred gentleman will not presume upon the opportunity thus given him by chance.

     If several visitors call upon a lady at the same time, she should present them to each other, thus putting them at ease.
     In introducing two gentlemen, address the elder, or superior, with "Allow me to present you to my friend, Mr. Hale. Mr. Hale, Mr. Gordon."
     Adapt yourself to the society in which you find yourself. If you feel sad or ill, and cannot shake it off, do not go into company. You have no right to depress others.
     All introductions given at a croquet or lawn-tennis party, or on a yachting excursion are merely for the time, and do not involve after recognition.

     A gentleman may with propriety request an introduction to a lady at a party or ball, and should pay her some attention, but the acquaintance need go no farther, unless mutually agreeable.
     It is very impertinent for a gentleman to join a lady in the street when she is walking with another gentleman; and it would lay him open to the charge of having some motive (most likely an interested one) in thus forcing himself upon another man.
     "It is clearly the duty of a hostess, at a ball or dancing party, to endeavor to provide her guests with partners, and for that purpose she must either make the introductions herself, or through the help of others. Young men often present each other to young ladies, and it is entirely proper that they should do so if they have first asked leave. A gentleman may also ask a lady, if he knows her well, to introduce him to another lady when a proper opportunity shall occur. Of course he could neither wish nor expect his friend to cross a crowded room with him to make an introduction; because she would then be left to make a bad third, or else retrace her way alone; an awkward situation except for one of the ladies of the house."

     These should always be carefully worded and left unsealed. It is not expected that the bearers will examine the contents, though it is understood that they are known to them.
     A business letter of introduction is expressed in set terms, as --
Mr. ___________________
                    _________________
     Dear Sir:--I have the pleasure of introducing to you Mr. __________________ of __________________. Any favours you may extend to him will be appreciated by                                      Yours very truly,
                                                     __________________.

     Letters of introduction of a social nature should be written very carefully, and on the best of note paper, of a neat size, and with an envelope to match. A letter of this sort, commending the person introduced, should give the full name, the place of residence, and express the wish that the acquaintance thus formed be productive of mutual pleasure.

     Great discrimination should be exercised in giving letters of introduction. We think that there are too many of these sort of favours asked and given, already. You become responsible for the good behaviour of the one whom you introduce. You should never take the liberty of furnishing a letter of introduction only to a friend of long standing. Another thing to be considered in a social letter of introduction is whether the parties thus made acquainted will prove congenial. If they do not, they may both end by blaming you.

     Introductions may be made by card as well as by letter. The gentleman introducing the other writes upon the upper left hand corner of his own card the words "Introducing Mr. __________," and incloses it with the card of the gentleman so named in an envelope of good quality, and of fashionable style and size. The recipient of a business letter of introduction is not bound to extend any courtesies of a social nature. The acquaintance is of a purely business sort, and may end in the store or office.
     Etiquette demands that these rules be observed with exactness. Should the person introduced be a lady, she follows the same method, inclosing her card with that of the one introducing her, and sends it by mail or a messenger. The lady receiving these must call in person, or some member of her family must represent her. If she fails in this, she must send a message explaining her reason. If a call is not made within a few days such an omission is an act of rudeness.

     "A letter of introduction, received through the post, stating that an individual or family which the writer highly esteems, is about to locate near you, and asking your kindly attentions, must be answered immediately, with expressions of anxiety to be of service to the strangers so recommended. The person or family thus introduced should be called upon at the first opportunity. Such a request to call upon a stranger admits of no delay, and no after attentions can make amends for neglect."
     The custom in Europe is for the person having the letter of introduction to make the first call. This is repugnant to our independent spirit, as it puts the bearer in the position of begging an acquaintance. We consider it in far better taste to send it by another source, and await its acceptance.

     It may appear a trifling matter and not worthy of consideration whether a letter of introduction is written upon fine paper, well expressed, and neatly inclosed, or whether its receipt is acknowledged promptly. But these details are of importance and their observance will determine your standing as a lady or gentleman, and give you the opportunity of conferring happiness upon others.

     When gentlemen and ladies have reached middle age, their motives cannot be misconstrued if they form acquaintances in traveling without the formality of an introduction. But even this acquaintanceship must be had with reserve, and not be continued beyond the time of casual meeting. An approach to familiarity must be checked at once. A young lady cannot, however, avail herself of this privilege of chance acquaintance.