This is not written for those who do, but for those who do not know what is proper, comprising a large portion of highly respectable and estimable people, who have not had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the usages of the (so termed) “best society;” therefore, do not let the “select” sneer, and say—“Oh, every body knows that; there is nothing new here.” Even they may be mistaken, and many may profit who will not choose to own how much they are indebted to this little book.
It would be absurd to suppose that those persons who constitute the upper ranks of the middle classes in LONDON are ignorant of the regulations here laid down;—but in the country (especially in the mercantile districts), where the tone of society is altogether lower, it is far otherwise, although country people may not feel inclined to acknowledge what is, nevertheless, strictly true.
If these “hints” save the blush but upon one cheek, or smooth the path into “society” of only one honest family, the object of the author will be attained.
LONDON , JAN. 20. 1836.