The overcoat, hat, and cane are left in the dressing-room, and the guest removes one or both gloves as he pleases—­remembering that he must offer his ungloved right hand to the hostess.

  Shaking hands.  Guests on being presented to
       the hostess should shake hands.  If guest
       takes leave of hostess, they should shake
       hands.  If the hostess is surrounded by
       guests, a pleasant nod of farewell is admissible.

  Women.  Women leave cards of their male relatives
       as well as their own, even though their
       names may be announced upon entering. 
       Guests leave their cards in a receptacle provided
       for the purpose, or give them to the
       servant at the door.

       Women wear a costume appropriate for
       the afternoon, and keep their hats and
       gloves on.

Afternoon teas (informal).  An afternoon tea is a
       simple entertainment.  Refreshments are
       generally served to the guests.  An innovation
       lately introduced has become quite popular
       —­namely, young women, invited for
       the purpose, wait upon the guests, bringing
       in one dainty at a time.

An afternoon tea is called a formal afternoon
tea when engraved cards have been
issued, naming set date.

Cards.  Guests should leave cards in the hall, or
hand them to the servant.  Women may
leave the cards of the men of her family. 
Those unable to attend should send card the
same afternoon by mail or messenger.

         See also afternoon teas (Formal)-Cards.

Dress.  Both men and women wear afternoon dress.

Guests.  All guests, both men and women, wear
afternoon dress.

Guests may suit their convenience in arriving or departing—­provided they do not come at the opening hour, nor stay to the last moment.

After the guests have left their wraps in the dressing-rooms, they leave their cards in the tray in the hall and enter the drawing- room, the women preceding the men.

       After greeting the hostess and being introduced
       to those assisting her, the guests quietly move
       away and mingle with the rest.

Each guest goes to the dining-room when he pleases and leaves when he wishes.  It is not necessary upon departure to shake hands with the hostess at a large reception, though it is better to do so at a small affair.

       It is not necessary for a guest to stay the
       entire evening; twenty minutes is sufficient.

  Host. If present, he does not receive with his
       wife.  It is not essential that he be present
       on such an occasion.

  Hostess.  The hostess wears full dress.  Daughters
       may assist, or young women may be asked to do so.