e valet waits for orders.
Some men require their valets to shave them, but the majority simply
intrust the care of their razors to them, preferring to perform that
operation themselves. The valet assists his master in dressing, and,
when the toilet is finished, ties or buttons the boots, arranges the
spats, and gives a final brush to the clothes. He then fetches the
stick, gloves, and hat. During the day he may be employed on errands,
in answering tradespeople, in paying bills, or in any minor occupations
of that kind. A first-class servant of this character should not only be
steward but secretary. When writing letters for his master he should
write them in the third person, and also sign them "Respectfully yours,
JOHN SMITH, _valet_."

A valet is told of the engagements of the day, and has the clothes
arranged accordingly, and he must be at his post. In the evening the
dress suit is laid out, with choice of ties and two coats, the formal
and informal, or Tuxedo. A valet must be at the rooms when his master
retires. In traveling he takes care of the luggage, tickets, and all the
little annoying details. He travels second class abroad, and in this
country he should never be allowed to be a passenger in a drawing-room
car with his master. The valet wears no livery. He dresses quietly in a
plain sack suit of dark material, and wears a Derby hat. Should he be
required to wait on table, he dresses in semi-livery if the affair is a
luncheon, and in evening dress if it is a dinner.

The _butler_ is a very rare functionary in a bachelor's establishment,
only the wealthiest being able to afford him. The valet or general
servant acts as butler, and when in this position he should always have
a black coat on when answering the bell.

I have used the terms throughout this chapter of "master" and "servant."
Employer and employee are correct only when the relations between the
two persons are not of a domestic character.

The most fashionable and efficient menservants are of English, Scotch,
or Irish birth or descent. Japanese make excellent valets. Colored
coachmen and grooms are not the vogue in New York or vicinity, but they
are seen in the South. Very wealthy bachelors have introduced a fad for
East Indian servants, but at present only a few of these have been
employed, and those at Newport.

CHAPTER XII.

THE DANCE.

This is certainly a most important subject, and one which can not be
lightly treated. I have th