oadside station and cannot obtain
conveyances for themselves. In town the bridegroom has to provide the
motor-car to convey himself and bride from the church to her father's
house, and afterwards to the station. In the country the reverse is the
case, and the bride's father does this by lending one of his own
carriages or cars for the purpose.

* * * * *

=The Bridegroom is expected to provide the Furniture= and all household
effects for the new home, including plate and linen, which latter
naturally form very important items. Many of the bridal presents,
however are made to lighten these expenses, and consist of plate to a
great extent, and occasionally of linen also, from the members of the
bride's family; still, the rule in England is that the bridegroom should
provide it as part of the necessaries of the home, and the gift of it by
relatives is altogether optional.

CHAPTER XIX

AFTERNOON "AT HOMES"

=Afternoon "At Homes"= are a great feature amongst the entertainments of
the day, large afternoon parties, and small afternoon parties; parties
so large that the number of guests equals those at a big crush or
evening reception, and so small that they might fairly come under the
denomination of afternoon teas.

At afternoon "at homes," ladies are present in a considerable majority,
there being usually from about ten gentlemen to thirty ladies on an
average present at these gatherings. Ladies have a decided partiality
for this class of entertainment, as it affords an opportunity for
meeting their friends and acquaintances, or for making new
acquaintances, and for forming future plans and interchanging
civilities; and even in the height of the London season, afternoon "at
homes" are fully attended by the members of the fashionable world.

There are various classes of afternoon "at homes": the large "at home"
of from fifty to two hundred guests, when usually professional vocal and
instrumental talent is engaged, and fairly good music given, although
the entertainment is not of sufficient importance to be termed a
concert; the "at home" of from fifty to a hundred guests when only
amateur talent is in requisition; and the small "at home" of from ten to
thirty people, when conversation usually takes the place of music, the
party being composed of friends rather than of acquaintances.

* * * * *

=Invitations to "At Homes"= should be issued in the