=THE GUEST CARD=

A clever device was invented by Mrs. Gilding whose palatially appointed house is run with the most painstaking attention to every one’s comfort.  On the dressing-table in each spare room at Golden Hall is a card pad with a pencil attached to it.  But if the guest card is used, a specimen is given below.

Needless to say the cards are used only in huge houses that, because of their size, are necessarily run more like a clubhouse than as a “home.”

In every house, the questions below are asked by the hostess, though the guests may not readily perceive the fact.  At bedtime she always asks:  “Would you like to come down to breakfast, or will you have it in your room?” If the guest says, in her room, she is then asked what she would like to eat.  She is also asked whether she cares for milk or fruit or other light refreshment at bedtime, and if there is a special book she would like to take up to her room.

The guest card mentioned above is as follows: 

=PLEASE FILL THIS OUT BEFORE GOING DOWN TO DINNER:=

What time do you want to be awakened? ....................... 
Or, will you ring? .......................................... 
Will you breakfast up-stairs? ................................ 
Or down? ...................................................

.

=UNDERSCORE YOUR ORDER:=

Coffee, tea, chocolate, milk,
Oatmeal, hominy, shredded wheat,
Eggs, how cooked? 
Rolls, muffins, toast,
Orange, pear, grapes, melon.

=AT BEDTIME WILL YOU TAKE=

Hot or cold milk, cocoa, orangeade,
Sandwiches, meat, lettuce, jam,
Cake, crackers,
Oranges, apples, pears, grapes.

Besides this list, there is a catalogue of the library with a card, clipped to the cover, saying: 

“Following books for room No.  X.”  Then four or six blank lines and a place for the guest’s signature.

=AT THE DINNER HOUR=

Every one goes down to dinner as promptly as possible and the procedure is exactly that of all dinners.  If it is a big party, the gentlemen offer their arms to the ladies the host or hostess has designated.  At the end of the evening, it is the custom that the hostess suggest going up-stairs, rather than the guests who ordinarily depart after dinner.  But etiquette is not very strictly followed in this, and a reasonable time after dinner, if any one is especially tired he or she quite frankly says:  “I wonder if you would mind very much if I went to bed?” The hostess always answers:  “Why, no, certainly not!  I hope you will find everything in your room!  If not, will you ring?”

It is not customary for the hostess to go up-stairs with a guest, so long as others remain in her drawing-room.  If there is only one lady, or a young girl, the hostess accompanies her to her room, and asks if everything has been thought of for her comfort.

=HOW GUESTS ARE ASKED AND RECEIVED=