HOW MAY A MAW ENTERTAIN LADIES?

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6132, 19 March 1898, Page 3

HOW MAY A MAW ENTERTAIN LADIES?

Very often a bachelor living alone feels anxious to return hospitality offered him by lady friends, and does not quite know how to set about it. He may either offer them entertainment out or in his own house or lodgings. In either ease he must, of course, invite one or more married ladies to chaperone the party. Sometimes lie takes a box at the theatre, and provides supper at a restaurant afterwards. Or, he may take a party on the river and give them tea; or tpjto them yachting, and supply lunch. There are a thousand little ways in which, he can manage. Of course, ho undertakes all expenses connected with the affair, and must take care not to let his payments for meals, &c, appear too much in evidence. Luncheon and tea are the most useful forms of hospitality for a bachelor to offer ladies in liis abode. At these the chaperone may bo among the guests ; but, if he invites ladies to dine with him, it is usual to have a lady relative staying in the house with him. At meals in his own house ho, of course, takes the foot of the table, and places the married lady who acts as chaperone at the head. As a rule, ladies are exceedingly fond of being entertained by men, especially by men en masse — as at a mess, in a wardroom, or in college. They consider themselves entitled to extra attention, which they are pretty sure to get ; and they say that men make delightful hosts when they have no womenkind to sharo their responsibilities. It is not good to lay aside one's hat when being entertained by men. It presents too much the appearance of being at home, instead of preserving the attitude of a guest.