Men at.  Courtesy toward his hostess and consideration
       for his friends demands that a
       man who can dance should do so.

       To accept an invitation to a ball and then
       refuse to dance shows that a man is lacking
       in good breeding.

A man finding few friends at a ball should ask some friend, or the hostess, to introduce him to some women whom he can invite to dance.

       It is an act of discourtesy for a man not to
       request a dance of a woman to whom he has
       been introduced.

A man escorting a woman to a ball should agree where to meet her after they have each left their wraps at the dressing-rooms.  It may be at the foot of the stairway or near the ball-room door.

It is now no longer customary for the man and woman to enter arm in arm, but for the woman to precede the man, and together they greet the hostess.  It is for the hostess to merely bow or to shake hands, and the guests follow her lead.

A man should see that his companion’s chaperone is comfortably seated, and then ask his companion for a couple of dances, and, with her permission, introduce other young men, who should ask her to dance.  Such permission is not usually asked if the man is her fiance, a near relative, or an old friend.

It is strictly the woman’s prerogative to decide to retire, and no man should urge or hint to a woman to retire earlier than she wishes.

  Men—­carriage.  A man asking a woman to
       accompany him to a ball should call in a carriage
       for her and her chaperone.

  Men—­dress.  Men wear full evening dress in
       summer or winter, city and town.

       Gloves of white dressed kid should be worn
       at all balls.

  Newcomers.  See balls-invitations given by
       newcomers.

  PATRONESSES.  See public balls—­patronesses.

  Tipping servants.  Only at public balls is it
       customary to give a tip to the men and
       women in charge of the cloak-room.

  Supper.  Usually a buffet supper, being more
       easily handled and arranged for.  Supper at
       tables requires many servants, much preparation,
       and great care.

  Women at.  A mother should attend balls with
       her daughters, going and returning with
       them, and if she is not invited, they should
       decline the invitation.  The father can act
       as escort if need be.

       After greeting the hostess and guests, the
       guests pay their respects to the head of the
       house if he is present.

       Taking leave of the hostess is unnecessary.