one for the gentlemen, and occasionally a second prize for
the second best player of either sex. This is done when playing for
money does not commend itself to a host and hostess. The prizes consist
for the most part of useful articles. For instance, a box of gloves, a
box of bon-bons, a case of eau d'Cologne, a card-case, a bag purse, and
so on, all of which are acceptable to ladies; and a box of cigars or
cigarettes, a silver pocket-flask, a silver-mounted stick or umbrella,
are prizes the men winners are pleased to accept.

* * * * *

=The Bridge Tables= at which the guests are to sit are numbered, and the
hostess arranges by whom they are to be occupied. The names--four in
number for each table--are written or printed with the number of the
table upon small cards and given to the guests by the hostess on
arrival. This is done that good players may be placed together, and to
save confusion and loss of time in seating them at the various tables.

* * * * *

=The Refreshments= provided consist in the first instance of "coffee,"
which is brought into the card-room or drawing-room and handed to the
guests. No eatables are given with this after-dinner coffee. A supper is
given either at the conclusion of the play at 12 o'clock--this being the
more usual plan--or at 10.30, after which play is resumed for another
hour or so; but the latter is more of a provincial custom than a town
one, and is intended for those whose dinner hour is an early one--6.30,
perhaps.

When a supper is not given, very good light refreshments are substituted
for it, including cups of hot soup in the winter months.

* * * * *

=Going in to Supper= is arranged as far as possible on the following
lines, if precedence does not prevent its being carried out. The players
at each table who are partners when supper is served go in together. The
host leads the way with his partner, and all follow, the hostess and her
partner going last.

* * * * *

=Cards should be left= within a week or ten days after a reception.

A married lady should leave one of her own and two of her husband's
cards.

A widow should leave one of her own cards.

A bachelor or widower should leave two of his cards. (See Chapter III.)

CHAPTER XVI

WEDDINGS AND WEDDING LUNCHEONS

=Afternoon Weddings= are invariably solemnized at 2.30 o'cloc