s.

RULE III. That as gentlemen are allowed for the whole season to
appear, like the raven, in one suit, ladies are to have the like
privilege; and that no lady be allowed to quiz or notice the habits
of another lady; and that demi-toilette in dress be considered the
better taste in the family circle; not that the writer wishes to
raise or lower the proper standard of ladies' dress, which ought to
be neither too high nor too low, but at a happy medium.

RULE IV. That any lady infringing the last rule be liable to reproof
by the oldest lady present at the meeting, if the oldest lady, like
the oldest inhabitant, can be discovered.

RULE V. That every member or guest, be requested to bring with them
their own vocal, instrumental, or dance music, and take it away with
them, if possible, to avoid loss and confusion.

RULE VI. That no member or guest, able to sing, play, or dance,
refuse, unless excused by medical certificate; and that no cold or
sore throat be allowed to last more than a week.

RULE VII. That as every member or guest known to be able to sing,
play, or dance, is bound to do so if requested, the performer
(especially if timid) is to be kindly criticized and encouraged; it
being a fact well known, that the greatest masters of an art are
always the most lenient critics, from their deep knowledge of the
feeling, intelligence, and perseverance required to at all approach
perfection.

RULE VIII. That gentlemen present do pay every attention to ladies,
especially visitors; but such attention is to be general, and not
particular--for instance, no gentleman is to dance more than three
times with one lady during the evening, except in the case of
lovers, privileged to do odd things during their temporary lunacy,
and also married couples, who are expected to dance together at
least once during the evening, and oftener if they please.

RULE IX. That to avoid unnecessary expense, the refreshments be
limited to cold meat, sandwiches, bread, cheese, butter, vegetables,
fruits, tea, coffee, negus, punch, malt liquors, &c., &c.

RULE X. That all personal or face-to-face laudatory speeches
(commonly called toasts, or, as may be, roasts) be for the future
forbidden, without permission or inquiry, for reasons
following:--That as the family circle includes bachelors and
s