entleman to dance, unless she be previously engaged. The
hostess must he supposed to have asked to her house only those
persons whom she knows to be perfectly respectable and of
unblemished character, as well as pretty equal in position; and
thus, to decline the offer of any gentleman present, would be a
tacit reflection on the master and mistress of the house. It may
be mentioned here, more especially for the young who will read
this book, that introductions at balls or evening parties, cease
with the occasion that calls them forth, no introduction, at
these times, giving a gentleman a right to address, afterwards,
a lady. She is, consequently, free, next morning, to pass her
partner at a ball of the previous evening without the slightest
recognition.

44. THE BALL IS GENERALLY OPENED, that is, the first place in the first
quadrille is occupied, by the lady of the house. When anything prevents
this, the host will usually lead off the dance with the lady who is
either the highest in rank, or the greatest stranger. It will be well
for the hostess, even if she be very partial to the amusement, and a
graceful dancer, not to participate in it to any great extent, lest her
lady guests should have occasion to complain of her monopoly of the
gentlemen, and other causes of neglect. A few dances will suffice to
show her interest in the entertainment, without unduly trenching on the
attention due to her guests. In all its parts a ball should be
perfect,--

"The music, and the banquet, and the wine;
The garlands, the rose-odours, and the flowers."

The hostess or host, during the progress of a ball, will
courteously accost and chat with their friends, and take care
that the ladies are furnished with seats, and that those who
wish to dance are provided with partners. A gentle hint from the
hostess, conveyed in a quiet ladylike manner, that certain
ladies have remained unengaged during several dances, is sure
not to be neglected by any gentleman. Thus will be studied the
comfort and enjoyment of the guests, and no lady, in leaving the
house, will be able to feel the chagrin and disappointment of
not having been invited to "stand up" in a dance during the
whole of the evening.

45. WHEN ANY OF THE CARRIAGES OF THE GUESTS ARE ANNOUNCED, or the time
for their departure arrived, they should make a slight intimation to the
hostess, witho