minute
and to take advantage even of the quarter of an hour latitude is bad
form. Better a little too early than too late. However, do not make
yourself ridiculous by appearing on the scene too soon. Bear in mind
that the reputation of being the "late Mr. Smith" is not enviable. A
tardy guest only accentuates his own insignificance. This rule applies
to dinners and suppers and to all entertainments where you are a guest,
with only one exception--dances, where you have an hour's grace.

Luncheons, as a rule, are informal affairs. Men have attended them in
lounge suits, but it is more courteous to your hostess to appear in
afternoon dress. Overcoats, hats, and sticks are left in the hall. Your
gloves are removed in the drawing room. When luncheon is announced,
unless it is a very formal affair, your hostess leads the way to the
dining room, and she is followed by her guests, women and men, not in
procession. The men, of course, must allow the fairer sex to pass before
them through the drawing-room door and into the dining room. Luncheon
_menus_ consist of oysters, clams, or grape fruit with crushed ice and
saturated with maraschino for the first course. This is followed by
bouillon, an _entree_, a roast or chops with peas, or broiled chicken,
salad with birds, ices and fruits, coffee and _liqueurs_. Sherry and
claret are the wines, and sometimes champagne is served.

A luncheon lasts three hours at most, and the men are left to smoke at
dessert. However, sometimes this formality is waived.

_Dinner_ invitations are sent out at least a fortnight in advance. In
the New York season sometimes they are issued a full month before the
event. They must, under all circumstances, be answered within
twenty-four hours, and cards left on your prospective host and hostess
within a week.

The fashionable hours for dining are between half past seven and eight
o'clock. Dinners being formal evening functions, formal evening dress is
essential.

Except at very small houses and apartments, two rooms are reserved--one
for the men and the other for the ladies--as dressing rooms. Your hat,
coat, and outdoor attire are removed, and a servant will assist you in
arranging your toilet. A nefarious practice of feeing these attendants,
even at private houses, has been somewhat in vogue in a very "smart" and
wealthy set in New York. It is not good form, and I would advise you
against it.

The servant who announces you, hands you a small envelop