distinguished guest at her right, the others following and seating
themselves as they choose. Guests are not expected to remain longer
than half an hour after they return to the parlors.

Calls are a polite acknowledgment after receiving hospitalities, and
should be made within a few days after the entertainment.

If gentlemen are invited, and the master of the house is present, the
guests proceed to the dining-room in the same order as at a formal
dinner party. If the luncheon is given in honor of some particular
individual, this fact should appear upon the invitation. The following
is a good form:

[Illustration:

_Mrs. Vincent_

_Requests the pleasure of your company at luncheon,_

_On Tuesday, February fifth,_

_To meet_

_Genevieve Gallatin._

_One o'clock._

_1807 Chestnut Street._]

The rooms are usually darkened for an elaborate luncheon, and
artificial lighting resorted to. Wax candles are the most pleasing,
their radiance having a softening effect.

Nowadays there are candles in the market warranted not to drip, and
made not wholly of wax, but of some composition which burns
brilliantly and slowly. They average eight to the pound, and cost
something like twenty-five or thirty cents a pound. No light is so
satisfactory or so becoming as candlelight. When the great question of
illumination and flowers is settled, there remains one more
opportunity for individual taste, for bon-bons, salted almonds and
olives may be disposed here and there in small dishes of cut glass or
silver.

The usual hour at which to take leave after luncheon is three o'clock,
and, unless pressed to do so, luncheon guests should not remain beyond
this hour, thus avoiding any inconvenience to a hostess in the matter
of her afternoon engagements. Of course, the hour of leaving depends
on the hour at which the luncheon is given.

Luncheon Refreshments.

The refreshments must not be heavy, for the reason that many of the
guests may be expecting to attend a dinner or evening party that same
day. If a butler serves at a luncheon he does not wear full dress, as
at a dinner party.

Only light wines are offered at a ladies' luncheon, and more
frequently none at all. Mineral waters and pure water are supplied.

Entering the Dining-Room.

Ladies who are intimate with the hostess often arrive half an hour
before the time set for the luncheon and chat with the hostess.
Usually there is no formality in entering the dining-ro