nducted to the ball-room. At
ball-suppers the same precedence is strictly in force, the royal guests
leading the way with host or hostess (see p. 49).

The same etiquette should be observed on the departure of royal guests
as on their arrival.

* * * * *

=General Introductions= should not be made to royal guests, and
introductions should be made by request only.

Gentlemen present at a ball are expected to ask the daughters of the
house for one dance at least.

A hostess should use her own discretion as to any introduction she
thinks proper to make. When a ball is given in the country, the hostess
should endeavour to find partners for those young ladies who are
strangers to the general company. But when a ball is given in town, she
is not expected to do so, as in town the guests are supposed to be
acquainted with each other more or less, and to be independent of the
kind offices of a hostess.

* * * * *

=The Dances mainly in vogue at the moment= are, "Valses," "The Boston,"
"Two Steps," and "The Cotillon," in which handsome presents are given.
"Quadrilles" are danced at "State Balls," and at those balls at which
the King and Queen are present. Also at "Fancy Dress Balls." "Lancers"
are danced occasionally at "Hunt Balls."

* * * * *

=The Precedency observed= in sending guests in to supper is far more
punctiliously followed in the country than in town. The host should take
in the lady of highest rank present, and the hostess should endeavour to
send in the principal guests according to their individual rank; but in
town she generally leaves the guests to follow the host and lady of
highest rank according to their inclinations, a guest should not enter
the supper-room before the host has done so.

When a gentleman takes a lady in to supper, he should re-conduct her to
the ball-room as a matter of course; the fact of friends joining her in
the supper-room would not relieve him from this obligation. And the same
etiquette applies equally to a lady. She should return to the ball-room
only with the gentleman who has taken her down to supper, unless she is
engaged for the ensuing dance, when her partner might come in quest of
her; she should then return to the ball-room with him.

It is not usual for guests to take leave of a hostess at a London ball.
This remark applies to acquaintances of the hostess, and not to intim