Page:About people (IA aboutpeople00well).pdf/187

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WHO'S WHO?
181

man may not come again excites such mortal terror that he is allowed to do as he pleases, which means to seek the attractive girls. Then, as every woman has a number of friends as guests who are only delightful when known, she is obliged to seem unaware of their value because so many men decline introductions. The society phrase is, "I thank you; I see so many here whom I know that I will not trouble you;" and if the hostess persists, then is added, "Thanks, I'll speak to Miss ——, and come back to you." Woe to her if her persistency continues, for then must she go after the young man; he will never return to her.

The preponderance of women over men in every party is an evil which can only be remedied by the general dispersion of the men among the long trains of the ladies. In crowded receptions introductions by the hostess are impossible; the value of such parties consists in their being a full bill of discharge of social duties, at so much cost a plate or a

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