o seeing this done by
foreigners who are well-bred men.

Artichokes are, it may be said, an awkward and untidy vegetable to eat;
they are only given in the second course as a separate vegetable; the
outside leaves should be removed with the knife and fork, and the inner
leaves which surround the heart, or head of the artichoke should be
conveyed to the mouth with the fingers and sucked dry; epicures consider
this vegetable a dainty morsel; but at dinner-parties young ladies
should not attempt to eat these artichokes.

Savouries, when possible, should be eaten with a fork, but occasionally
a knife also is of imperative use.

* * * * *

=As regards sweets=, _compotes_ of fruit and fruit tarts should be eaten
with a dessert-spoon and fork, as should those dishes where juice or
syrup prevails to the extent of rendering a dessert-spoon necessary. But
whenever it is possible to use a fork in preference to a spoon it is
always better to do so.

Jellies, creams, blancmanges, ice puddings, etc., should be eaten with a
fork.

As a matter of course, young ladies do not eat cheese at dinner-parties.

CHAPTER XV

EVENING PARTIES

=Evening Parties= are styled receptions or "at homes" according to the
number of guests invited. In official and political circles they are
invariably styled "Receptions," but when given on a smaller scale in
general society they are styled "At Homes."

* * * * *

=Invitations= to evening parties should be issued on "at home" cards.

The name of the person invited should be written at the top of the card
at the right-hand corner, the words "at home" being printed beneath the
name of the lady issuing the invitation, the day and date beneath the
words "at home," the hour beneath the date. The address should be
printed at the bottom of the card.

When music is to be given it should be mentioned on the "at home" card,
thus, "Music."

The hour varies from 10 to 11 o'clock; in private circles 10 or 10.30 is
the usual hour; in official circles 10.30 or 11 o'clock.

When a foreign royal personage is expected, or a foreigner of
distinction, or a personage possessing public interest, the words "To
meet Her Serene Highness Princess D.," or "To meet Count C." should be
written at the top of the invitation cards.

When a reception or "at home" follows a dinner-party given by the
hostess, it is not usual to provide any special amus