om
_matinees_ and from morning receptions, at both of which
entertainments bonnets are worn. Men wear morning dress. (See
Department of Dress.)

Receiving Guests.

For small evening parties, the host and hostess during the early part
of the evening remain near the door to receive guests. Later they must
mingle with the company to assist in entertaining. A late arrival,
however, should be noted, though it is their place to search out their
hostess and offer the greetings of the evening.

As guests enter the room the hostess should advance a step to meet
them. Her words of greeting should be first addressed to the elder
ladies of an incoming group, then the young ladies, lastly the
gentlemen. The hostess should be perfectly at her ease, having
apparently no thought beyond the reception rooms.

The Entertainment.

Where the entertainment is mixed, a little music is appropriate, a
little dancing and a little card-playing. It is well to engage some
one to play for the dancing, since guests usually do not care to
preside at the instrument. A violin is a great addition.

If, however, the dancing is an afterthought, any gentleman who is a
good pianist may offer his services to relieve any lady at the
instrument.

The hostess should see that conversation does not lag. She must not
interrupt an entertaining _tete-a-tete_, unless it last too long; but,
if conversation languish between a couple thrown together, she should
bring in a third person, or draw away one, while substituting another.

Invitations.

If invitations are issued a week or ten days in advance, the hostess
has a right to expect that her guests should arrive on time, and
carefully attired.

The form of the invitation is similar to an "At Home," as: MRS. EMMONS
VAN ZANT, At Home, Thursday, June sixteenth, at eight o'clock. 2040
Westmoreland Street.

Duty of Guests.

The hostess may ask her guests to sing or play; but, if they refuse,
it is bad taste to urge them. The hostess, if she plays or sings, may
favor the guests with a single selection after others have been heard.
It is well for amateurs to master a few pieces that they can render
without the notes. This relieves one of that time-worn excuse--"I
haven't my notes." This is also the case with those who sing. By
ceasing to urge performers, the company will be freed from much of
that repeated, coy refusal that only needs sufficient coaxing to
comply.

When a lady is asked to play or s