e host sits
next the chaperon at the theatre and at the supper, placing her on his
right.

If a supper is to follow, and it almost always does, the host has reserved
a table at the hotel or cafe and has perhaps ordered flowers and a special
menu in advance. He has also settled the account, so that he has only to
cross the waiter's palm with silver at the conclusion of the repast, in
acknowledgment of faultless service.

Cheaper Ways of Entertaining.--In summer there are cheaper ways in which a
bachelor may payoff his social obligations. Most bachelors belong to
clubs, where they may give luncheons or suppers. There are roof-gardens
and outdoor vaudeville, open-air concerts, etc., that may be made
pleasurable occasions. He may charter a yacht, in company with several
friends, and entertain a dozen or half score ladies with a sailing party.
At all these, however, he must provide a chaperon.

A very pleasant and informal way for a bachelor to entertain is to invite
some of his more intimate women acquaintances to afternoon tea at his
apartments. For this he writes personal notes or gives verbal invitations.
He asks some married, lady to assist him, placing it in the light of a
favor to himself. She must arrive early, and remain until the last guest
has left. The host pays the chaperon special deference, asking her to pour
the tea, and either escorting her home or ordering a carriage for her.

Elaborate refreshments are not necessary at such an affair. Sandwiches,
cakes, tea, served in the American fashion or a la' Russe, are sufficient.
The chaperon presides at the refreshment table. All things needed for the
refreshment of the guests may be ordered from a caterer. If the affair is
in the evening, chocolate and coffee may be served instead of tea, or
cakes, coffee and ices.

The Bachelor's Chafing Dish.--If the circumstances of the bachelor permit,
he may give a chafing-dish supper, presiding over the manufacture of a
Welsh rarebit or lobster a la Newburg, making the coffee himself in a
machine. This might take the place of the supper at a restaurant after the
play. After such a supper, or a dinner in his rooms, the host escorts the
ladies to their carriages, and accompanies the chaperon to her home.

If none of these methods of entertaining chance to be within
the man's means--for many poor men of pleasing address are social
favorites--he may fall back on the pretty compliment implied in sending
flowers or bonbo