If a bachelor’s quarters are too restricted for any other form of entertaining, he may give a theatre party, followed by a supper at some cafe.  Or he may do this without the theatre party.  Of course, such an entertainment is expensive, but he must remember that the ladies who have entertained him have spent a good deal of money on their fetes.

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The Bachelor and the Chaperon.—­The first thing the bachelor must do is to secure a chaperon.  She must be a married woman of unimpeachable reputation.  Having done this, he invites the other members of the party, first submitting his list to her approval.  The usual number is six, three men and three women, or two men and four ladies.  Two men may join forces to entertain a quartet of ladies, or more, and thus halve the expense.  The carriage or taxicab is sent first to the residence of the chaperon; the host accompanies it or may meet it there.  The other ladies are called for, the other men generally meet the carriages at the theatre.  The host sits next the chaperon at the theatre and at the supper, placing her on his right.

If a supper is to follow, and it almost always does, the host has reserved a table at the hotel or cafe and has perhaps ordered flowers and a special menu in advance.  He has also settled the account, so that he has only to cross the waiter’s palm with silver at the conclusion of the repast, in acknowledgment of faultless service.

Cheaper Ways of Entertaining.—­In summer there are cheaper ways in which a bachelor may payoff his social obligations.  Most bachelors belong to clubs, where they may give luncheons or suppers.  There are roof-gardens and outdoor vaudeville, open-air concerts, etc., that may be made pleasurable occasions.  He may charter a yacht, in company with several friends, and entertain a dozen or half score ladies with a sailing party.  At all these, however, he must provide a chaperon.

A very pleasant and informal way for a bachelor to entertain is to invite some of his more intimate women acquaintances to afternoon tea at his apartments.  For this he writes personal notes or gives verbal invitations.  He asks some married, lady to assist him, placing it in the light of a favor to himself.  She must arrive early, and remain until the last guest has left.  The host pays the chaperon special deference, asking her to pour the tea, and either escorting her home or ordering a carriage for her.

Elaborate refreshments are not necessary at such an affair.  Sandwiches, cakes, tea, served in the American fashion or a la’ Russe, are sufficient.  The chaperon presides at the refreshment table.  All things needed for the refreshment of the guests may be ordered from a caterer.  If the affair is in the evening, chocolate and coffee may be served instead of tea, or cakes, coffee and ices.

The Bachelor’s Chafing Dish.—­If the circumstances of the bachelor permit, he may give a chafing-dish supper, presiding over the manufacture of a Welsh rarebit or lobster a la Newburg, making the coffee himself in a machine.  This might take the place of the supper at a restaurant after the play.  After such a supper, or a dinner in his rooms, the host escorts the ladies to their carriages, and accompanies the chaperon to her home.