Duties of daughters.  Except at her own
       debut, a daughter does not assist her mother
       in receiving.  She should be ready, however,
       to see that young women have partners, and
       to speak, without introduction, to strangers.

  Guest of honor.  If the ball is given in honor
       of some special person, he should be met on
       his arrival, introduced to the women of the
       reception committee, escorted to the seat prepared
       for him, and be looked after the entire
       evening.

       At the end of the ball he should be escorted
       to his carriage.

  Duties of host. It is not necessary that a
       man receive with his wife.  He should do all
       he can to help make the ball successful,
       especially if his name appears on the invitation. 
       He should assist in finding partners
       for the women, taking the chaperones into
       supper, preventing the men from selfishly
       remaining in the dressing-room, and at the
       end escorting unattended women to their
       carriages.

       When a formal supper is served, he takes
       into supper the leading chaperone.

  Duties of hostess.  As a ball is an entertainment
       for dancing, it is better to give two
       small balls where the guests are not crowded
       than one where they are.  It is permissible
       for a hostess not having sufficient room to
       hire rooms in some place suitable for the
       purpose.

       In selecting guests, it is wise to have more
       men present than women.

The hostess should see to it that the rooms are well ventilated and well lighted.  An awning and a carpet from the street to the hall door should be provided.

The hostess should stand near the door, prepared to receive the guests as they enter, shaking hands with each one, friend or stranger, and introducing any woman who may receive with her.

       A hostess herself should not dance until
       late in the evening, unless she knows that
       nearly all her guests have arrived.

       A wise hostess will personally see that the
       women are provided with partners, and that
       diffident young men are introduced.

The hostess should see that the floor is suitable for dancing, that music is arranged, programs printed, that dressing-rooms, one for the men and one for the women, are arranged for with suitable attendants.

       The hostess should stand where the guests
       can take leave of her, and should shake
       hands with each when leaving.

  Hours.  In the city the hour for a ball to begin
       is from 10.30 to 11 P.M., but in the country
       the hour is earlier—­from 9 to 9.30.