ing, the gentleman nearest her should
at once escort her to the piano, remaining near her while she plays,
and turning the music, if he be competent. He will also take charge of
her fan, bouquet and gloves, and when the music is finished, he will
again offer his arm for her return to her seat. At the same time he
will thank her for the pleasure she has given himself and the company.
Other guests, together with the hostess, should also express their
gratification. Never comment on the quality of the instrument. Never
offer to turn the sheets of instrumental music unless familiar with
the notes.

When any one is playing or singing, let the company preserve silence,
and if they should converse, let it be in the lowest tones. To
interrupt a performer is the worst possible taste. Instrumental
performers have as much right to expect the courtesy of silence as
vocalists. The hostess has the privilege of indicating, to a noisy
group, by a gesture, her desire for silence. Those who will talk
should at least withdraw from the immediate vicinity of the
instrument. If asked to play an accompaniment, do so, not to display
your own accomplishments, but so as to afford the best possible
support for the singer.

MUSICALES.

A musicale, or a musical reception, is a difficult entertainment. A
program must be arranged, and sufficient amateur performers secured to
make a success of the affair. Herein comes the difficulty, amateurs,
after a very unwilling consent has been wrung from them and their name
and selection placed upon the program, are so little to be depended
upon. Would that there could be found some way of oiling the machinery
at a musical entertainment and of soothing the ruffled feelings of a
hostess when those most depended upon to render assistance withdraw at
the last moment for some vague reason. When one firmly refuses at the
first to appear upon the program, no offence can be taken, but to
withdraw for any but the most urgent reason is an actual breach of
etiquette.

For this reason, those hostesses whose purses are of sufficient
length, are driven to employ professional assistance upon these
occasions. Another objection to amateur performers is the
semi-professional jealousy existing between them as to precedence on
the program.

Performers should arrive punctually, and while the order of the
program should be followed as far as possible, no one should be
offended at being asked, when it is necessary to play o