The hostess should stand near the door, prepared to receive the guests as they enter, shaking hands with each one, friend or stranger, and introducing any woman who may receive with her.
A hostess herself should not dance until late in the evening, unless she knows that nearly all her guests have arrived.
A wise hostess will personally see that the women are provided with partners, and that diffident young men are introduced.
The hostess should see that the floor is suitable for dancing, that music is arranged, programs printed, that dressing-rooms, one for the men and one for the women, are arranged for with suitable attendants.
The hostess should stand where the guests can take leave of her, and should shake hands with each when leaving.
HOURS. In the city the hour for a ball to begin is from 10.30 to 11 P.M., but in the country the hour is earlier—from 9 to 9.30.
A public ball begins promptly at the time mentioned in the announcement.
INVITATIONS. These are issued from ten to twenty days before the ball, and should be answered immediately.
For an impromptu dance, they may be issued within a few days of the affair.
These invitations should be engraved. As a general rule, it is not now customary to put on them the letters R. S. V. P.