untry by its recent guest, Li Hung Chang,
were beautifully ornamented boxes and packages of this delicately
flavored and fragrant tea. The high class grades from India and Ceylon,
although not as costly as the Russian, may be used by the hostess of the
modern "Five O'Clock" without risk to her reputation as a woman of
culture. She will consent, however,

"That tea boiled,
Is tea spoiled,"

and avail herself of the pretty and convenient silver-ball, or the
closely covered pot or cups in which these rare teas should never brew
over three minutes. For the famous tea service of China and Japan, tiny
covered cups are always presented.

The American hostess will regret when too late, the many advantages of
the afternoon tea, alas! foolishly sacrificed upon the altar of her
vanity to excel in the extravagance of hospitality. Even now experience
teaches that "a tea" means anything from its original intention of
informal, pleasant social intercourse with light refreshments, to the
function which includes hundreds of guests, who are entertained at a
banquet presenting the most expensive achievements of florist and
caterer. In repudiation of this is the strict code of etiquette
requiring that "an invitation be worded to indicate truthfully the exact
character of the hospitality it extends. Courtesy to guests compels
this, that they may be able to conform in toilet to the occasion and
thus avoid the mortification of being under or over-dressed, the
_latter_ to be counted as much the greater misfortune." This from a very
ancient book, it is true, but its lesson in good manners is none the
less pertinent now than when written in the dead past.

It remains with the hostess, whether one shall enjoy the pleasures and
privileges of the pretty Five O'Clock. Whether in the line of elegance
or simplicity, the tea Russian or Ceylon, it can be dainty, well served,
and lovely with flowers of sweet graciousness and cordial welcome. These
united may be depended upon to make it the social success coveted by
every woman who poses as a hostess, whether in cottage or palace!

Nowhere are the artistic instincts of a modern hostess more charmingly
brought to bear than in the appointments of her tea-table. To show
individuality in this cosy afternoon ceremony, is an aim not difficult
to reach.

The Russian table should have a cloth with insertion bands of the strong
Muscovite peasant lace that is brightened by red and blue threads in the
pa