for the lady of the house to advance each time towards the door, but
merely to rise from her seat to receive their courtesies and
congratulations. If, indeed, the hostess wishes to show particular
favour to some peculiarly honoured guests, she may introduce them to
others, whose acquaintance she may imagine will be especially suitable
and agreeable. It is very often the practice of the master of the house
to introduce one gentleman to another, but occasionally the lady
performs this office; when it will, of course, be polite for the persons
thus introduced to take their seats together for the time being.
The custom of non-introduction is very much in vogue in many
houses, and guests are thus left to discover for themselves the
position and qualities of the people around them. The servant,
indeed, calls out the names of all the visitors as they arrive,
but, in many instances, mispronounces them; so that it will not
be well to follow this information, as if it were an unerring
guide. In our opinion, it is a cheerless and depressing custom,
although, in thus speaking, we do not allude to the large
assemblies of the aristocracy, but to the smaller parties of the
middle classes.