25.—THE CARNIVAL.
All the couples are divided, the ladies being arranged in one circle, and the gentlemen in another, both circles facing outwards. A sufficient number of paper costumes, packed as “favors,” being in readiness, the leader takes one of the ladies’ “favors” and presents it to one of the ladies, whom he leads inside the ladies’ circle, where costumes are put on, and then leads her to her seat. The leader’s partner at the same time hands a gentleman’s “favor” to one of the gentlemen, and leads him into his ring to be robed or decorated, and then is in turn led by him to her seat. The second couple proceed in like manner, until all have been accommodated.
The conductor then can organize some short figures for dancing, forming also groups and tableaux appropriate to the decorations.