GODEY'S LADY'S BOOK
Philadelphia, January 1850

Several, knotty points of etiquette have, from time to time, been submitted to us for decision; and one or two of them are really of consequence enough to be noted.

Is it proper for the escort of a lady to request gentleman occupying good seats at a concert or lecture, to give them up to himself and charge, and retire to parts unknown in search of a standing place, if the room should be crowded?

To this, we would answer that, if the gallantry of the gentlemen thus situated does not prompt them to proffer the seats in question, it is rudeness to request it. A lady is a lady, it is true; but if she could not come early enough to get a good seat, she cannot expect that spectators who did should inconvenience themselves for her sake.

If it is at the theatre, where seats have been taken, it is the height of rudeness to request such a favor; particularly if ladies be of the filet party. They must then be separated from their escort; a strange lady is set down in the midst of their party, and all are placed in en awkward position. We are afraid that the inborn politeness of American men has spoiled some of our ladies, if they expect so much. In Europe, you would be laughed at, if such an exchange were demanded; and it would be fortunate if the affair did not end in a rencontre, if the parties were equals.

We may as well mention here, for the sake of the other sex, that loud thumping with canes and umbrellas, in demonstration of applause, is voted decidedly rude. Clapping the hands is quite as efficient, and neither raises a dust to soil the dresses of the ladies, not a hubbub enough to deafen them.

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