The matter of guest rooms and their conveniences, proper furnishings, etc., will be taken up in a later section.

[712 Mothers’ remedies]

What Is Expected of Guests.—­One does not invite guests to make them uncomfortable, therefore it is best not to expect them to rise for an early breakfast.  If they are expected to present themselves, as late an hour as possible should be named.  But they may be served with coffee, rolls, fruit and any other easily prepared breakfast dish whenever they please to arise, being given to understand that a substantial breakfast is the price of the extra “forty winks.”  Guests at a house-party are expected to entertain themselves, among themselves, to a considerable extent.  They may walk, or row, or play croquet or tennis, or read or gossip or play cards, while the hostess attends to her domestic duties.  If the party is large, or if but one or no servants are kept, the women should quietly attend to their own rooms, making up the bed and picking up their own belongings.  Whether they may do this or not depends upon circumstances of which they must judge.

The most enjoyable house-parties are given in these roomy old houses with broad verandas, surrounded with lawn and garden.  But this need not deter those having less delightful surroundings from offering their best to their friends.  It is not so much the elegance of what we offer as the manner in which it is offered that makes our friends remember their visit with pleasure.

Dress at Week-End Visits.—­Women wear a simple tailored suit while traveling, with white waist or silk skirt to match.  If the weather is warm, white duck, pique or linen skirts with white shirts are worn mornings; afternoons, foulard, or some of the fine and dainty fabrics suited to the season.  For evening, nothing is prettier than white for the young—­and, indeed, “everybody wears white.”  By change of accessories, the same white gown may be made to do for the two evenings.  If an automobile trip is part of the entertainment, one should take an ulster or long loose coat and veil.

The woman’s greatest trouble is to carry a second hat—­something she may need under some circumstances, though the fashion of going bareheaded helps considerably.  But if the entertainment includes a garden party, a tea or reception, she must have a hat.  The trunk is uncalled for, and the suitcase is disobliging.  What shall she do?

Her best plan will be to have a becoming shape covered with black tulle or malines, and a made bow attached to it to travel in.  On arrival, she will detach the bow and pin on a couple of plumes, an aigrette, or flowers, converting it into a dress hat.