Page:Side talks with girls (1895).djvu/16

4 with what is called "high tea" in the city, that is, the serving, about eight o'clock, of hot meats, with dishes of salads and sweets, and where all sit down—a pleasant way to entertain when the late dinner is not a custom. However, the card you have got for the afternoon tea is not of that sort. The tea card invites you to come between four and seven, and you wonder what you should do. You need write no acknowledgment of this invitation, but to be correct you will appear about half-past five, gowned in your handsomest visiting dress, the pretty black silk with its trimmings of velvet and jet, and the little bonnet in harmony with it. If, for any reason, you are unable to go, then in the morning you send by post as many of your visiting cards as there are hostesses, that is, hostesses whose names are on the invitation. These cards are inclosed in the usual card envelope, addressed to the lady of the house, and sealing-wax is omitted.

When you enter you shake hands with your hostess, and with any of the ladies receiving with her with whom you are acquainted, or to whom she introduces you. You are asked by one of the receiving party if you will not go into the tea-room, and there you enjoy a cup of tea, of