The Book of Good Manners | Page 5

of the table
and the best man opposite, and on this occasion he may give scarf-pins,
link cuff-buttons--or neckties and gloves, if he wishes--to the best man
and ushers.

BACHELORS' LUNCHEONS. These are conducted like
BACHELOR'S DINNERS, which see. The one difference is that,
should the luncheon be given before 6 P.M., afternoon dress should be
worn.

BACHELORS' OPERA PARTIES. See THEATRE AND OPERA
PARTIES GIVEN BY MEN.

BACHELORS' SUPPERS. These are conducted the same as
BACHELOR'S DINNERS, which see.

BACHELORS' TEAS OR AFTERNOON RECEPTIONS.
CHAPERONES. If women are present, a married chaperone is
indispensable, who should be the first person invited by personal call.
The chaperone at a small affair pours the tea, and at a large one she

receives with the host, and each guest is presented to her.
The host conducts the chaperone to her carriage, and also any other
women who may have assisted her.
DRESS. The hosts and guests wear afternoon dress.
INVITATIONS. These maybe oral, brief notes, or, for a large affair,
engraved, and should be sent from three days to a week in advance.
HOST. The host should greet his guests at the door, shaking hands with
each one, and introducing to the chaperone those not known to her.
He introduces guests who are strangers to each other, bids them adieu,
accompanies the women to the door, and escorts the chaperone to her
carriage, and if she has come alone without one, may very properly
escort her home.
If at a large reception several women have helped him entertain, he
should thank them and see them to their carriages.
He will, of course, see that there is provided a dressing-room for
women with a maid to wait upon them, and that the rooms are in good
order, well furnished with flowers, and that the refreshments are
attended to. See also INVITATIONS.
MEN. Afternoon dress is worn.
WOMEN. The invitations, engraved or oral, should be promptly
acknowledged.
Women wear dress customary at afternoon teas, and on their entrance
should greet the host. Upon departing they take leave of him, though
this is not necessary if the reception be a large one.
If a young woman knows that a chaperone is present, she need not have
her own chaperone accompany her.
If the chaperone leaves early, she should do likewise.

BACHELORS' THEATRE PARTY. See THEATRE AND OPERA
PARTIES GIVEN BY MEN.

BADGES--BALLS (PUBLIC). It is customary for men and women on
the committees to wear on the left side of the breast ornamental badges,
embroidered with the official position of the wearer.

BAGGAGE. If a man is traveling with a woman, he should see to the
checking and care of her baggage. See also TRAVELING.
WEDDING TRIP. The best man should, some time before the wedding,
see that the baggage of the bridal couple has been checked, and the
checks given to the groom. See also BEST MAN.

BALLS. A ball is an evening function, beginning at a late hour,
devoted wholly to dancing. The costumes are more elaborate, the
supper arrangements more extensive, and the floral decorations more
lavish than at a dance.
ACCEPTING INVITATION TO DANCE. While a young woman may
accept or decline any invitation to dance, it is considered an act of
discourtesy to refuse one man for a dance and to accept an invitation
thereafter for the same dance from another.
ANNOUNCING GUESTS. The hostess decides whether or not the
guests are to be announced. At public balls it is customary.
ANSWERING INVITATIONS. These should be answered
immediately, and if declined, the ticket should be returned.
ARRIVING AT. There is no set rule when guests should arrive.
In the city, guests should arrive anywhere between eleven and twelve,

and in the country, fifteen minutes after the hour set in the invitation.
ASKING WOMEN TO DANCE. A man asks for the privilege of a
dance either with the daughter of the hostess, with any guest of the
latter, or with any young woman receiving with her.
On being introduced to a woman, he may ask her for a dance, and
should be punctual in keeping the engagement.
It is her privilege to end the dance at any moment she wishes, after
which he should conduct her to her chaperone or find a seat for her,
after which he is at liberty to go elsewhere.
If for any cause a man has to break his engagements to dance, he
should personally explain the matter to every woman with whom he
has an engagement and make a suitable apology.

BALLS, ASSEMBLY. The etiquette at an assembly ball is much the
same as at a private ball, the functions and duties of the hostess being
filled by a committee of women selected for that purpose.
On entering the room,