The Daily British Whig, 10 April 1888

How the American Young Man Makes Himself Presentable and Agreeable

“If a young man has some accomplishment , if he can sing a good song, has a pleasant faculty for private theatricals, a neat trick at elocution and especially, if he be a good dancer, he is much helped along in society,” affirms Mrs Sherwood. However, the same authority adds that if he be intelligent and well mannered, he gets on without any of these helps, but they are undoubtedly an assistance. Above all he must never be fatigued, disgusted, bored or anguished in the society of ladies.

According to the etiquette of the east, as stated as Mrs. Sherwood, a young man should seek first to know the mothers of the young ladies whom he admires and wishes to visit. He should on a first visit send in his card. After his first visit he can dispense with that ceremony. In an evening visit he should always be in full evening dress – black dress coat, vest and trousers, faultless linen, and a white cravat. A black cravat is permissible, except at dinner. He may carry his hat and gloves in his hand. As giving him something to hold, a cane also is a great help to a shy man. His feet should be in low shoes and silk stockings if he wishes to be very nice. This is not indispensable except for dancing, but it is very becoming. A white cravat is indispensable for dinner or ball. No jewelry of any kind excepting shirt studs and rings. The hand should be especially cared for, no matter how big and red and masculine it is, if it is clean; the nails beautifully cut and trimmed. Like Lord Byron’s, if possible, “a rose leaf, with half a moon in it, “such should be his nails. If he is asked to form a theatre party, he must be punctual, in full dress, taking any place his hostess may offer him. He must not ask to be allowed to send a carriage, or to pay for his ticket; his hostess does all that. In this eastern and western etiquette are at variance.