Book of Etiquette, Volume 2

ONS FOR T

s of the evening's gathering, is at the musicale. Here it is

those among her friends and acquaintances who understand and appreciate good music, and who enjoy it for itself alone. It is not wise to include people who are not fond of music (if there really are any such

The third person should be used in both invitations

iture save the piano, chairs for the performers, and seats for the guests. Programs may be printed

ERNOON

derably less formal than a similar affair in the evening, although still r

on or evening, to have the word "Music" engraved in the lower left-hand co

ingers and players are paid for their services, unless they themselves offer them free. It is very bad form indeed, to invite a singer or player as a guest, and then expect him to give his services. And yet it is done so often, by hostesses wh

famous professional for the afternoon's entertainment, start the musicale with singing or playing by unimportant persons, and e

e music begins, she seats herself near the door, and whenever a tardy guest arrives, sees that he is comfortably s

om the drawing-room and ices, punch, little cakes and bonbons are served. As the

ENING

ng musicale and yet there are several

ions may be either vocal or instrumental. But the general appearance of the entire affair is more ceremoniou

offee. If an important singer or player contributes to the share of the evening's entertainment he

IES AT TH

n be comfortably seated. She will serve light refreshments, such as dainty sandwiches, salads, muffins, bou

when the other guests begin the card game. But if the musicale is held in the evening, and supper is served, the guest who remains must also remain for the card

GUESTS A

reach of etiquette to speak, fidget or otherwise disturb the guests while the numbers are being performed. Encores are permissib

e. However, if one is unavoidably late, to offer profuse apologies, while the musicians are performing, is to make matters worse by prolonging the distu

r. Remarks about the playing of the guests are not very good form, especially if

T THE M

n elaborate reception, and if it is given in the evening formal evening dres

PRIVATE

wise-the hostess, the guests, and the actors and actre

mittee to read numerous plays and select for final consideration those that seem best fitted to the type of actors and actresses available. If one of the young men is naturally witty and bubbling over with hilar

s best to choose a comedy-for even a Greek tragedy in all its poig

s perfectly. They must be punctual and regular in their attendance of the rehearsals; continually to miss them is to spoil the play

ns, which, by the way, must be sent out two or three weeks in advance. The host must arra

PL

h the player's own character. This is so important that it cannot be over-emphasized. And when finally the correct part

-Victorian setting foredoom the play to failure. A curtain may also be hired from a theatrical supply house, but it is very simple to adjust one made at home

ps will impart the desired effect to the improvised stage. For wings, large Japanes

Thunder is simulated by beating slowly on a bass drum. Hoof beats s

, and with that poise and self-confidence that comes with true culture, one should be able to stand befor

GU

o notice whispering, giggling or lack of interest in the audience. Whether the play is worthy

e etiquette as is observed at a fashionable evening musicale. In departing, the hostess must be cordially thanked for the pleasant evening, and

AND H

the door of the drawing-room, welcome each guest and make the necessary introductions. When

imes these private theatricals are not amateurish, but given by professionals, in which case the et

he happens to be a celebrity). The guests are expected to arrive at a definite hour, and lateness in this case is