Page:The Fraternity and the Undergraduate (1923).pdf/135

 the attentions paid to the guests, of wearing them out by long programs and all night performances, and by never giving them a chance to rest or to be alone or to think over what they are doing, of careless and unconventional manners that it gives one a chance at moderation and self-restraint. It is a severe test of a man's ability to do two things well at once—to keep up his college work and not neglect his guests.

Leaving out of account entirely what it may do to the undergraduate's studies or social standing or pocketbook, the house party is unquestionably a good thing for the house. I have thought sometimes that our corporation which rents the house to the active chapter might well afford for the good of the property to contribute something every three or four years toward defraying the expenses of a house party or might give a generous rebate on the rent every time one is given, for there is such a cleaning and scrubbing and polishing, such a painting and kalsomining and varnishing, such a repairing and furbishing, and beautifying within and without as gets the house in condition, and keeps it from running down at the heel, and as makes it perennially looking fresh and new. It is for this reason, perhaps, that when I am asked to give advice about a house party, I view the project with less serious objec-