At the conclusion of the dance, the leader generally stands with the hostess to receive the adieux of the guests, an honor certainly due to the one upon whom the success of the evening chiefly depends.
It is the duty of the guests to cordially second the efforts of the leader. The closest attention should be given when he is explaining a figure, and all should be ready to enter into it with heartiness and animation. It is in bad taste for any couple to get up and dance on their own account, regardless of the figure which is being executed. It would seem as if this caution should be unnecessary, but, unfortunately, observation proves that even among well-bred people there are occasionally some who are thoughtless enough to offend in this way. In such cases the leader is fully justified in stopping the music and kindly but decidedly requesting the intruders to return to their seats.
THE FIGURES OF THE COTILLION.
1.—THE FLOWER FIGURE.
Seat a lady in center of room with flowers placed loosely on a tray. One couple waltz at signal, each take a flower and favor some one with whom they dance. Repeat this until by changes the thirty-two persons are up. Signal, form circle, grand right and left, waltz. Another lady will then be left. She takes her seat in the vacated chair, and the dancers in waltzing around, throw the flowers in her lap, with which she makes a bouquet. The leader then appoints a gentleman to waltz with the lady or waltzes with her himself.
2.—THE MAGIC HAT.
The gentleman leaves his partner in the middle of the room, and gives her a hat. All the gentlemen form a circle round the lady, turning their backs to her, circle rapidly to the left. The lady places the hat on the head of one of the gentlemen, with whom she dances. The other gentlemen return to seats.
3.—THE SCARF.
First couple leads off. The leader stands in center of room holding scarf; his partner, with all of the other ladies, form a circle around him and turn rapidly to the left; the leader tries to throw scarf over the shoulder of one of the ladies, and dances with her. Other ladies retire to seats.