he host whether he returns or not with
the gentlemen to the drawing-room, although, if not particularly
engaged, it is more courteous to do so.

Coffee is sometimes served after luncheon in the drawing-room. It is
handed on a salver immediately after luncheon. The most usual way now,
however, is to have coffee brought into the dining-room at the
conclusion of luncheon, and handed to the guests on a salver.

The guests are not expected to remain longer than twenty minutes after
the adjournment to the drawing-room has been made.

Ladies should put on their gloves on their return to the drawing-room
after luncheon.

Ladies having motor-cars should previously desire their chauffeurs to
return for them from three to a quarter-past three o'clock, and the
servant should inform each guest of the arrival of her motor-car.

When a lady requires a cab, she should ask the hostess's permission to
have one called for her.

The subject of leave-taking is fully described in Chapter IV.

CHAPTER XXVII

BREAKFASTS

=Breakfast Parties= have in certain circles become a feature, and
invitations to breakfast are issued both by card and by note.

In official circles breakfast parties are frequently given, the morning
hours up to one o'clock being the only disengaged portion of the day,
and thus the opportunity is taken for offering and receiving
hospitality, and of enjoying the society of friends and acquaintances.
The breakfast hour varies from ten to eleven, according to
circumstances, and the meal somewhat resembles a luncheon, fish,
_entrees_, game, and cold viands being given, with the addition of tea,
coffee, and liqueurs.

Punctuality on these occasions is almost imperative, as breakfast cannot
be prolonged beyond a given limit, and therefore it is not considered
necessary to wait the coming of a late guest.

The guests go in to breakfast as to luncheon. When a party consists of
both ladies and gentlemen, the hostess should lead the way with the lady
of highest rank, followed by the other ladies, the gentlemen following
with the host.

When a party consists of gentlemen only, the host should lead the way
with the gentleman of highest rank, and should indicate to the
principal of the gentlemen present the places he wishes them to occupy
at table; the remainder of the company should seat themselves according
to inclination.

The table should be laid as for luncheon, and decorated with flowers and
fruit. Tea and