he same calibre, and remaining there perhaps another twenty minutes,
before arriving at the goal, viz. _the_ ball of the evening. Both ladies
and gentlemen follow this practice, thus, at a little after twelve, an
average ball-giver finds her rooms deserted by all but those who have
nowhere else to go. Although the flitting of the guests thus early is a
disappointment to the hostess, and although it does not prevent the
fleeting ball-givers from making suitable returns by placing the family
on their ball lists, it yet greatly mars the enjoyment of the ball, and
prevents its being looked back upon with anything approaching to
pleasure or satisfaction, the departure of the most eligible partners
being not the least of the vexations of the night.

These _contretemps_ are sometimes unavoidable; but, when practicable, it
is always best to postpone a ball rather than to allow it to clash with
a ball of greater pretensions.

An impromptu dance is often a great success, while an impromptu ball is
almost as certain to prove a great failure.

* * * * *

=The Difference between a Dance and a Ball= consists in the number of
the invitations issued, in the strength of the band, and the extent of
the supper arrangements.

At a dance the number of the guests varies from eighty to two hundred;
at a ball they vary from two hundred to five hundred.

At a dance a piano band is frequently engaged, while at a ball a full
band is requisite. At a ball the floral decorations are a great feature,
at a small dance they are often dispensed with. Ladies new to society as
it were, or whose circle of acquaintance is of a limited character, and
who do not number in that circle many ball-givers, and who yet desire to
form a ball acquaintance, frequently place their ball in the hands of
some intimate friend of higher standing than themselves, giving her
_carte blanche_ to form a ball list. When this plan is followed,
invitations are still sent out by the ball-giver; in every case the name
and compliments of the lady who forms the list are sent with the card.

This plan, although of advantage to the hostess, is often productive of
much unpleasantness to her unfashionable friends, who are naturally very
much affronted at being excluded from the ball list, which they usually
are, as a lady who undertakes to form a ball list for a friend is not a
little arbitrary as to the conditions under which she assumes its
managemen