Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[imchongjun]

Hi, teachers.
I came across the following passage while reading a novel written in 1919.
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(Aubrey met Mrs Mifflin and Titania on the street)

Mrs. Mifflin had pity on him. "We've left Mr. Mifflin to look after the shop," she said. "He's busy with some of his old crony customers. Why don't you come with us to the movies?"

"Yes, do," said Titania. "It's Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Drew, you know how adorable they are!"

No one needs to be told how quickly Aubrey assented. Pleasure coincided with duty in that the outer wing of the party placed him next to Titania.
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I think "the outer wing" means the side nearer to the street where cars are running. I wonder if it was considered to be a "duty" or etiquette or good manner for a man to place himself in the outer wing when walking abreast with women?

[CP]

You are right that the man is (or at least was at one time) supposed to walk closest to the street, to protect the ladies from danger (or at least from splashes of water), and probably in this instance Aubrey walked closest to the curb, with Titania next to him and Mrs. Mifflin on the other side of Titania.

He would have to be in the outer wing of the party unless he crashed in between Mrs. Mifflin and her daughter--not a very polite or wise thing to do.
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