[714 Mothers’ remedies]

Preparing for Company.—­An expected guest should always be met at the station by some member of the family.  The guest room should be in readiness, closet and bureau drawers vacated for her use.  The bed should be freshly made up, the bedding having been properly aired.  It would seem that no one would offer a visitor a bed that has not been changed and aired after having been slept in, yet guests, exchanging experiences, acknowledge it has been done—­let us hope through inadvertence, though it is really inexcusable.

There should be plenty of fresh towels and water; a fresh cake of soap, a candlestick and matches, and a waste paper basket.  On the dressing-bureau there should be a spotless spread, a pincushion well stocked with pins, hand mirror, comb and brush.  The guest will bring her own, but may need to use these before her luggage arrives.  The brush and comb should have been washed after a previous using.

A lounge, preferably placed at the foot of the bed if there is room; a light quilt or blanket for use upon it; an easy chair, and a clock in good working order are desirable furnishings.  Writing materials should be provided.  Some careful and painstaking hostesses include a small writing desk, well stocked with paper, pens and ink, postage stamps, even picture postal cards already stamped and ready to be addressed.  A new magazine and a few books, and a little basket containing thimble, needles, scissors and several spools of cotton complete the conveniences arranged for the guest.  A potted plant, or a few flowers in a vase, give a personal touch that bespeaks the hostess’s solicitude for the pleasure of her friend.

There is no more delicious flattery than that of having one’s personal tastes remembered and recognized.

The Visitor’s Entertainment.—­The entertainment of a guest is, of course, dependent on the hostess’s means, mode of life, social standing, the season of the year, and whether one lives in town or in the country.

She will ask some of her friends to call on her guest; she will give a little entertainment for her, at cards, or a tea, or a reception, according to circumstances.  No doubt her friends will include her visitor in their invitations during her stay.  She will take her friend to see the sights of her home city if she is a stranger; she may give a theatre party, or at least take her friend several times.  She will pay her guest’s carfare, unless the other anticipates her, and pay for the theatre tickets.  It will be perfectly correct for the guest to “stand treat” by inviting her host and hostess to accompany her to concert or play, paying for the seats herself.