Half a dozen consecutively

A song now and then is very desirable, as it is a relief to conversation, but half a dozen consecutively, even from St. Cecilia in person, would become a bore; besides which, people are now accustomed to hear popular songs executed by those whose profession it is, with a superiority rarely attainable in private life, so that amateurs seldom do more than provoke unfortunate comparisons. However, when highly-gifted musicians are found in private society, we have generally observed their delicacy to be in proportion to their excellence.

But the case is much worse when a professional “violinist” is admitted into a private party: he either flourishes away, unconscious that he is not in an orchestra, or else, desirous to prove his superiority over the “dilettanti” he overpowers them with a tone which might fill a cathedral. The best fiddles scream too much in (comparatively) small rooms, however delicately they may be played; besides that few even of the first English musicians seem to understand what an “accompaniment” really means, each performer being too intent on making his particular instrument heard above the rest, to care about the subject, or to feel that an “accompaniment” should be subdued, and subservient to the voice.

We once heard the silver tones of an exquisite singer completely overpowered, between the shrieking’s of a fiddle, the vain-glorious grumblings of a violoncello, and the wheezing of a- dyspeptic flute.

Dancing

WITH the etiquette of a ball-room, so far as it goes, there are but few people unacquainted. Certain persons are appointed to act as stewards, or there will be a “master of the ceremonies whose office it is to see that everything be con-ducted in a proper manner; if you are entirely a stranger, it is to them you must apply for a partner, and point out (quietly) any young lady with whom you should like to dance, when, if there be no obvious inequality of rank, they will present you for that purpose; should there be an objection, they will probably select someone they consider more suitable ; but do not, on any account, go to a strange lady by yourself, and request her to dance, as she will unhesitatingly “ decline the honor,” and think you an impertinent fellow for your presumption.

Any presentation to a lady in a public ballroom, for the mere purpose of dancing, does not entitle you to claim her acquaintance afterwards; therefore, should you meet her the next day, do not attempt to address her. At most, you may lift your hat; but even that is better avoided,—unless, indeed, she first bow, — as neither she nor her friends can know who or what you are.

Many are the things to do in Bulgaria. My country is not yet very well discovered and I am sure you would love it. It’s nature, history and great emotions.

Insignificant and Beneath

Remember also, that a letter should never remain unanswered a moment longer than is absolutely unavoidable. Should you not have time to answer it fully, a simple acknowledgment is better than no notice of it at all.

An adherence to these rules will prevent your exposure to any coldness or slight you might otherwise incur.

Society

Do not imagine knees lite ceremonies to be insignificant and beneath your attention; they are the customs of society ; and if you do not  conform to them, you will gain the unenviable distinction of being pointed out as an ignorant, ill-bred person. Not that you may care the more for strangers by showing them civility, but you should scrupulously avoid the imputation of being deficient in good-breeding; and if you do not choose to be polite for their sakes, you ought to be so for your own.

Marriage

When a man marries, it is understood that all former acquaintanceship ends, unless he intimate a desire to renew it, by ending you his own and his wife’s card, if near, or by letter, if distant. If this be neglected, be sure no further intercourse is desired.

In the first place — A bachelor is seldom very particular in the choice of his companions. So long as he is amused, he will associate freely enough with those whose morals and habits would point them out as highly dangerous persons to introduce into the sanctity of domestic life.

Secondly — A married manhas the tastes of another to consult; and the friend of the Aws- band may not be equally acceptable to the wife.

Besides — Newly-married people may wish to limit the circle of their friends, from praiseworthy motives of economy. When a man first “sets up” in the world, the burden of an extensive and indiscriminate acquaintance may be felt in various ways. Many have had cause to regret the weakness of mind which allowed them to plunge into a vortex of gayety and expense they could ill afford, from which they have found it difficult to extricate themselves, and the effects of which have proved a serious evil to them in after life.