ssist in sending the principal guests in to
supper, and when the general company observe the move towards the
supper-room, they should follow in the same direction.

When the general company are apparently not aware that the supper-room
is open, the hostess should ask the various gentlemen to take the ladies
in to supper, and should herself lead the way with one of the gentlemen.

When the general company find the supper-room crowded they should return
to the drawing-room for a quarter of an hour or so; but the hostess
should arrange for some instrumental or vocal performance to commence
when supper is first served, so as to occupy the attention of the guests
who remain in the drawing-room.

The guests frequently do not return to the drawing-room after supper,
but go to the cloak-room for their cloaks and wraps, and thence to their
carriages.

It is not usual to take leave of the host and hostess at receptions.

* * * * *

=Royal Guests present.=--When a royal personage is present the host
should conduct her to her carriage.

When a foreign prince is present the host should accompany him to the
hall door.

* * * * *

=Tea and Light Refreshments= should be served during the evening in the
library, or in an adjacent apartment.

Supper should be served at twelve o'clock, in the dining-room, and
should be similar in character to a ball supper.

* * * * *

=Invitations to Bridge Parties= are issued on "at home" cards when the
guests number upwards of forty, and on visiting cards when a lesser
number is invited.

* * * * *

=The Invitation Form= is, "Mrs. A---- At Home" in both instances. The
day, date, and hour are put beneath the words "at home," and "Bridge" in
the corner of the cards opposite the address. The usual hour for holding
these evening receptions is 9 o'clock p.m., which allows of three hours'
play before midnight. The guests arrive very punctually, rather before
than after the hour named on the invitation cards. The guests comprise
an equal number of both sexes, as husbands and wives are invited
together when both are known to be bridge players, and bachelors who do
not disdain playing for small stakes are in great request. Also
unmarried ladies of a certain age; not girls in their teens.

Prizes are given in some houses to the conquering players. One for the
ladies and