Men.  Asking A woman to dance.  A man
       asks for the privilege of a dance, either with
       the daughter of the hostess or with any guest
       of the latter or any young woman receiving
       with her.

       On being introduced to a woman, he may
       ask her for a dance, and he should be prompt
       in keeping his appointment.

It is her privilege to end the dance, and, when it is ended, he should conduct her to her chaperone, or, failing that, he should find her a seat—­after which he is at perfect liberty to go elsewhere.

If for any cause a man has to break his engagements to dance, he should personally explain the matter to every woman with whom he has an engagement and make a suitable apology.

  Debutante.  At a debutante’s reception the
       first partner is selected by the mother, usually
       the nearest and dearest friend, who
       dances but once, and the others follow.

  Invitations.  Invitations to balls or assemblies
       should be answered immediately; if declined,
       the ticket should be returned.  A man should
       call or leave cards a few days before the
       affair.

  Supper.  At balls and assemblies where small
       tables are provided, a man should not sit
       alone with his partner, but make up a party
       in advance, and keep together.

       If a patroness asks a man to sit at her
       table, she should provide a partner for him.

       At supper the senior patroness leads the
       way, escorted by the man honored for the
       occasion.

If one large table is provided, the men, assisted by the waiters, serve the women.  When small tables are used the patronesses generally sit by themselves, and the guests group themselves to their own satisfaction.

  TRONESSES.  Their duties are varied and
       responsible—­among them, the subscription to
       the expenses of the entertainments.

The patronesses should be divided into various committees to attend to special duties —­as, music, caterers, supper arrangements, the ball-room, and all other details.

While affairs of this kind could be left in the hands of those employed to carry out the details, it is better and safer for each committee to follow the various matters out to the smallest details.

       Those devising new features and surprises
       for such an occasion will give the most successful ball.

       The one most active and having the best
       business ability should take the lead.

       Lists should be compared, in order to avoid
       duplicate invitations.

       The tickets should be divided among the
       patronesses, who, in turn, distribute them
       among their friends.