ght out, is now offered on a
line or parallel with the chest, a trifle higher than the old-fashioned
style, and the fingers of the hand are held and gently shaken, but the
palm is not grasped or even touched.

CHAPTER XXXVIII

CHAPERONS AND DEBUTANTES

An unmarried lady, unless she be a maiden-lady of a recognised age and
standing, cannot act as an orthodox chaperon; but, on the other hand,
a young married lady could do so with the greatest propriety, as could
a brother from the age of eighteen; of other relatives it is not
necessary to speak.

Young ladies are now frequently asked to dinner-parties without a
chaperon, a hostess constituting herself chaperon for the occasion.
Dances are also given to which it is understood chaperons are _not_
invited, the hostess again acting in that capacity, but at large balls
and dances chaperonage is considered indispensable for young ladies. At
theatres and evening concerts chaperonage is distinctly required; but at
morning concerts and _matinees_, companionship rather than chaperonage
is needed.

As regards morning hours. Young ladies may now walk together in the Park
and elsewhere; ride together, attend classes together or alone, go to
luncheon or afternoon tea alone or together at the houses of friends and
acquaintances, quite unaccompanied by a chaperon. They may also visit at
country houses without a chaperon, the hostess performing this duty.

At all out-door gatherings, such as garden-parties, tennis-parties,
cricket-matches, golf-meetings, etc., the chaperonage required is of the
slightest, and for which any might be made available.

CHAPTER XXXIX

PRESENTATIONS AT THE VICEREGAL COURT, DUBLIN CASTLE

The Drawing-rooms at Dublin Castle are held by the Lord-Lieutenant of
Ireland and his wife, in St. Patrick's Hall, at 10.15 o'clock p.m.

* * * * *

=A Lady who desires= a presentation at the Viceregal Court must be
presented by a lady who has herself been presented thereat, and it is
necessary that she herself should be present on the occasion, save
under exceptional circumstances. A lady is not allowed to present
more than _two_ ladies, except in special cases to be sanctioned by
His Excellency.

* * * * *

=A Lady who proposes being presented= at a Viceregal Drawing-room must
send to the Chamberlain's office by five o'clock, three days previous to
the Drawing-room, a card with her