rds, "Ordinary ball dress
permitted," find a place upon the card, to the relief of those who
prefer to appear in their own proper character.

The host and hostess in fancy dress, assisted by daughters or friends,
all costumed, receive as in other balls, and the etiquette is in all
ways similar. Some ladies, and gentlemen also, wear mask and domino
over the regulation party dress, removing this when the others unmask.

Guests, as far as in them lies, should seek for originality in their
costumes. Historical and mythological characters, personification of
the powers and attributes of nature--as ice, snow, stars, planets,
etc.--are always suitable. Standard works of fiction whose characters
are familiar to all, as well as Mother Goose and Kate Greenaway, are
always fruitful sources for characters. Accurateness should be sought
after in carrying the costumes out.

[Etiquette of Ball Dress, Invitations, etc., may be found in their
appropriate departments.]

[Illustration: A SOCIAL CHAT.]

[Illustration: A LEISURE HOUR IN THE PARK.]

SOIREES, MUSICALES AND LAWN PARTIES.

[Illustration]

In France almost any social gathering that occurs in the evening is
called a _soiree_. Here in this country the term _soiree_ is applied
to an evening entertainment that partakes of the nature of an evening
party, but is not quite so elaborate and means earlier hours both of
arrival and departure.

_Soirees_, as a rule, offer some particular form of amusement, such as
music, dancing, a reading; an interchange of bright ideas, such as a
_conversazione_. It means also pretty evening dress, not elaborate,
ball costume, and a supper. It attracts gentlemen, who appreciate the
easy-going, early-houred _soiree_. That is, gentlemen who do not
particularly care for the ball-room, and it is here we are sure to
find wits and the aristocracy of intellect. In short, the very best
elements of society are found in the elegant unpretentious _soiree_,
where the intelligent woman of fashion has the tact to welcome and
make at home the artist, the author, the professional man, and the man
of business. The _soiree_ has still another advantage: a lady can give
one in a small house and with very little expenditure, and if she has
the gift of entertaining, her gathering will always be sought after.

Suitable Dress.

Women, as before mentioned, wear pretty evening dress (not ball
costume), and remove their bonnets, and in this way differing fr