of India, it would not
be correct to use the title of "Viceroy," and the proper superscription
is "His Excellency The Right Hon."; or, if a Duke, "His Excellency The
Duke of ----"; or, if a Marquis, "His Excellency The Most Honble.
Marquis of ----," etc.

To the wife of a Viceroy the address should be "Her Excellency the
Duchess of ----," "Her Excellency The Marchioness of ----," "Her
Excellency The Countess of ----"; or "Her Excellency The Lady Blank," if
the wife of a Baron.

When addressing a Viceroy or Vice-Queen colloquially or unofficially,
"Your Excellency" should not be used in either case. The title only in
both instances should be employed.

On being introduced to either of their Excellencies, it would be correct
to curtsy.

CHAPTER XXIII

GARDEN-PARTIES

Garden-parties are entertainments that are annually given. If the
weather is fine, the more enjoyable it is for the guests; if wet, a
garden-party resolves itself into a large "at home." In almost every
county a series of garden-parties is held by the principal ladies of
their respective neighbourhoods during August and September, nothing but
absence from home, illness, or some equally good reason being considered
sufficient excuse for the non-fulfilment of this social duty.

The county at large expects to be invited at least once a year to roam
about in the beautiful park of the lord of the manor, to row on the
lake, to play lawn-tennis on the lawn, to wander through the winding
paths of the shady, leafy shrubberies, to admire the brilliant hues of
the geraniums bedded out on parterre and terrace, or the variegated
asters, or the late Gloire-de-Dijon roses, which at the end of August
are in their fullest beauty. Then there are the conservatories through
which to saunter, and from which to beat a retreat, if the sun is too
powerful, into the mansion itself, the reception-rooms being generally
thrown open on the occasion of a garden-party.

A garden-party is an occasion for offering hospitality to a wide range
of guests--people whom it would not be convenient to entertain save at
this description of gathering. Invitations are on these occasions freely
accorded to ladies, from the energetic lady of eighty to the little lady
of eight.

One great advantage offered by a garden-party is that it is immaterial
to what extent ladies are in the majority, and it is a reproach to a
county rather than to a hostess if the muster of guests is eighty lad