should never be used on an invitation card, however
grand the entertainment; and the same form of invitation is employed
either in the case of a small dance or of a large ball, though in the
event of a small dance only being given, the words "Small" or "Early"
should be written or printed on the invitation card.

Invitations to a ball should be issued in the name of the hostess only.

When the host is a widower, with a grown-up daughter, the invitations
should be issued in their joint names.

When the host is a widower, or a bachelor, they should be issued in his
name.

Invitations issued by officers, members of hunt committees, bachelors,
etc., to their balls, either request the pleasure or the honour of Mrs.
----'s company; but this formula should not be used by ladies when
issuing invitations; the "at home" card should simply bear the word
"Dancing" on the bottom of the card, the hour and date filled in in the
allotted space, the name of the guest written at the top of the card.

In the case of a written invitation, it would be correct to use the
words "ball" or "dance" when alluding to the entertainment about to be
given, in a friendly note.

A lady or gentleman might ask for an invitation for his or her friend to
a ball given by an acquaintance, although the acquaintanceship were of a
slight character; but a lady or gentleman should not ask for an
invitation to a ball if unacquainted with the giver of it. The fact of
mutual friends having received invitations to a ball gives no claim upon
the hospitality of a stranger, therefore such requests are inadmissible.

The proper course for a person to pursue in the event of desiring an
invitation to a ball given by some one with whom he or she is
unacquainted, is to request some mutual friend to obtain one; and this
course is always followed.

* * * * *

=Cards should be left= by the guests present at a ball within the
current week if possible. (See Chapter III.)

* * * * *

=Gratuities= should never be given by the guests to the servants of the
house where a ball is given.

* * * * *

=State Balls.=--Two State Balls are annually given at Buckingham Palace
during the London season by command of His Majesty. Invitations are
issued by the Lord Chamberlain, but His Majesty previously revises the
list.

When ladies and gentlemen attend a State Ball at Buckingham Pala