However, if you accept the actual invitation, no other appointment — unless with a surgeon or an undertaker — can take precedence. - Judith Martin

Charming villains have always had a decided social advantage over well-meaning people who chew with their mouths open.

Then there was the time that Mrs. Grover Cleveland attempted to engage a tongue-tied guest in conversation by seizing on the nearest thing at hand, an antique cup of thinnest china. “We’re very pleased to have these; they’re quite rare and we’re using them for the first time today,” she is supposed to have said. “Really?” asked the distraught guest, picking up his cup and nervously crushing it in his hand. “Oh, don’t worry about it,” said the hostess. “They’re terribly fragile — see?” She smashed hers. Mr.

clap has too sharp a sting.