THE INVITATIONS for a formal ball are engraved on a sheet similar to that used for dinner-parties. But, like the dinner-invitations, they may also be written by the hostess. In sending these invitations by mail only one envelope is used when the invitation is written out. But the engraved form is enclosed first in an unsealed envelope with merely the name of the guest on the cover. This is put in a second envelope, which is sealed and has both the name and address written on it for posting. An engraved invitation, however, when delivered by a messenger requires only a single envelope, sealed.

These invitations must be sent out not less than ten days before the date of the ball, and they may be issued three weeks before the appointed time.

The accepted form may be either of those following:

Mr. and Mrs. George Wheatley
request the pleasure of your company
on Wednesday evening, April the second
at half-past nine o’clock
Dancing 71 Hamilton Place

Mrs. George Wheatley
Miss Wheatley
At Home
Tuesday, April the ninth
at eleven o’clock
Dancing 71 Hamilton Place

It is permissible to write the initials, R.s.v.p. below the word Dancing.

In place of Dancing, the word Cotillon may appear, if the whole evening is to be devoted especially to this dance. So, too, the words Bal PoudrÉ may be substituted for Dancing, if the affair is to be a costume ball. Or any other form of entertainment may be similarly indicated.

The form used in accepting or declining such an invitation follows exactly the wording given in a later chapter in connection with dinner-invitations.

It is the duty of the hostess to greet her guests as at a dinner-party, and a daughter or daughters may assist her in her hospitable duties, but such assistance is not required of them. The host, also, may join his wife in receiving, and may make himself socially useful by various attentions to the guests. But such action on his part is discretionary, except that in the case of a woman guest of particular importance, he should take her in to supper if this is served at tables. Where a buffet supper is served, it is fitting that he should escort various guests from time to time.

It is not always necessary to invite mothers or chaperons to a private ball, and in that case a girl may be sent with a maid to accompany her. When the mother receives an invitation and accepts it, she may choose not to remain, but to leave after entrusting her daughter to the care of the hostess, or some other friend.

At elaborate dances, the supper at midnight is served on small tables, at which the guests are seated. The buffet supper is popular on account of its convenience, since the guests select whatever pleases them at any time.

Unlike the rule as to dinners, there is no obligation for prompt arrival on the ball guest. Likewise, the guest may leave at any time. It is not necessary to seek the hostess for a farewell, but if she is near, she should be addressed with appropriate phrase in appreciation of the hospitality that has been enjoyed.

A girl at a ball usually establishes herself in a seat by her chaperon, to whom she returns according to her convenience after dancing. It is perfectly proper for her, if at any time she wishes to be rid of a partner, to ask that he accompany her back to this seat beside her chaperon.

Evening clothes are essential for the male guest at a ball, and the wearing of white gloves is obligatory. A careful man is very likely to provide himself with an extra pair. At informal dances, ungloved men often cover the hand with a handkerchief to avoid any risk of soiling a partner’s bodice. If a man serves as escort for a woman, or for a girl and her chaperon, it is a part of his duty to provide a carriage to and fro.

The ball-dress for women is usually the most elegant their taste and means will contrive. It is always decolletÉ, and commonly sleeveless.

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