ement for the
guests. But when an "at home" does not follow a dinner-party, it is
usual to provide some sort of amusement for the guests, such as
professional vocal or instrumental music.

The guests are expected to arrive from half an hour to an hour of the
time mentioned on the invitation card, although it is optional when they
do so.

* * * * *

=Receiving the Guests.=--The hostess should receive her guests at the
head of the staircase, where she usually remains until the principal of
her guests have arrived; while the host welcomes the guests in the
drawing-room itself.

Receptions or "at homes" usually terminate shortly before one o'clock,
save on Saturdays, when the hour of departure is 12 o'clock precisely.

* * * * *

=Making Introductions.=--A hostess should use her own discretion as
regards making introductions.

When a royal personage is present the most distinguished of the guests
should be presented by the host or hostess. When a celebrity is present
introductions should also be made; and as regards general introductions
they should be made whenever the hostess judges it expedient to do so,
and the principal guests when unacquainted should be introduced to each
other when the opportunity occurs.

* * * * *

=Going in to Supper.=--The host should take the lady of highest rank in
to supper.

When a royal princess is present the host should take her in to supper.

When a royal prince is present he should take the hostess in to supper.
(See Chapter V.)

It is optional whether the hostess follows with the gentleman of highest
rank present, unless a foreign prince is present, when she should
follow the host, and in the case of a royal prince being present she
should precede the host.

When a royal prince or princess or a serene highness is present a table
should be set apart for the host and hostess and royal party, and any
among the guests whom the royal visitors may desire should join them at
supper.

When the supper-room is not sufficiently large to accommodate the whole
of the guests at the same time, the most distinguished guests should go
in first.

When the host is informed that supper is served he should tell the
principal gentlemen present which of the ladies he wishes them to take
into supper, and should himself lead the way with the lady of highest
rank present.

The hostess should also a