These committees would follow the same rules as laid down for a hostess—­issuing engraved invitations from fourteen to seventeen days in advance, engaging a caterer, etc.

The etiquette for a public ball is the same as for a private one, save that guests arrive and depart when they please without taking leave of those who receive, and men wishing introductions apply for them to the Floor or Reception Committee.

At the cloak-rooms a small fee is paid to
the attendant.

         Seealso all entries under Balls.

Badges.  It is customary for the men and women
on the committees to wear on the left side of
the breast ornamental and embroidered
badges, with the official position designated
on it.

Committee.  The committee at a public ball
takes the place of the hostess, filling all her
duties and offices.

  PATRONESSES.  It is customary for the management
       formally to invite six, eight, or more
       married women to act as patronesses of the
       ball, and for their names to appear on the
       invitations.  If badges are prepared for the
       patronesses, one is sent to each patroness or
       handed to her on the evening of the dance.

       The patronesses should be welcomed at
       the ball by the management, and they then
       take their position ready to receive the guests.

The management should look after the patronesses, to see that they are taken into supper, to introduce prominent guests to them, and, finally, to escort the patronesses to their carriages.

PUBLIC PLACES.  SEE ALSO ELEVATORS.  RESTAURANTS, STREET-CARS.  STREET ETIQUETTE.

R. S. V. P. The use of these letters-standing
       for Repondez, s’il vous plait (Answer, if you
       please)-is decreasing.  All invitations to
       which acceptances are expected should be
       answered at once.  If preferred, however,
       the above abbreviations may be used on the
       following:  invitations to ceremonious receptions,
       breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, and to
       meet a prominent person.

Railroad-men.  A man should remove his hat in a
       parlor-car, but not in a day coach.

Recalling wedding invitations.  When from some
       good reason a wedding has to be canceled or
       postponed, the parents of the bride should
       send, as soon as possible, printed notices, giving
       reasons to all the guests.

Receptions.  Reception days are placed in the lower
       left-hand corner of visiting-cards-as, until
       Lent, or, In January-and may be either
       engraved or written.