Chapter Eighth-INTRODUCING A DÉBUTANTE "Welcome her, all things youthful and sweet, HIS is the language of the mother's heart, as she leads her young daughter forth from the obscurity of home life, to present her to the social world of her own acquaintance. It is usually a somewhat trying ordeal for both parent and child. The mother cannot but feel some misgivings lest her carefully nurtured darling be contaminated by her intercourse with Vanity Fair, and to the daughter the novel position brings a certain awkward self-consciousness, as she feels directed towards her the lenses of a critical inspection. Fortunately, however, the kindliness that lies at the heart of humanity is usually warmed into life at sight of a young girl making her first independent step into that world of which she is to become a part, a sharer in its weal and woe. Thirty years ago a young girl's entrance into fashionable society was invariably made at a ball given at her own home. Now we rarely give balls to celebrate this important event, but the formal presentation of the young fashion woman takes place at an afternoon tea or RecepThe tion, to which all her friends and those of present her parents are bidden, as well as such acquaintances as they care to include. The cards announce that Mrs. Jones Brown Smith will be at home on a certain afternoon from four until seven, and the débutante's name, engraved beneath that of her mother, informs the recipients for what purpose the entertainment is given, and they add her name to their lists of those whom they may invite to dinners, balls, etc. The débutante's dress A débutante's presentation gown at a London Drawing-room is always white, be the material what it may, but with us the color of a coming out" frock is chosen with reference to its becomingness to the It should be invariably cut high at the throat and with long sleeves, and be light in texture as in color, and in its dainty simplicity and "girlishness" make a contrast to the elegance and richness of the mother's attire. wearer. The drawing-rooms on the afternoon of the reception are decorated with palms and flowers and potted plants. The window shades are drawn and the lights lighted, for darkness settles down soon after four o'clock during the month of November, the beginning of the season, when most of the presentations take place. Saturday is the favorite day of the week. The young men are apt to be more free to attend, and are always thought to lend éclat to the occasion. It is the custom in New York for friends to celebrate such occasions with gifts of flowers to the débutante, which usually take the form of bouquets tied with ribbons matching the blossoms. Α pretty custom As an expression of kindly welcome to her new place in society, the custom is a pretty one, and few attentions in after-life will meet with such delighted appreciation. These bouquets sometimes there are dozens of them, and fifty or sixty is not an unusual number for a popular girl to receive - are arranged tastefully upon the mantels, piano, and tables about the rooms, and the young woman usually selects one to hold during the reception of her guests, and so compliment the giver. Sometimes a pretty fan is sent instead of a bouquet. The entertainment does not differ in other particulars from an ordinary reception, invitations to which include all one's acquaintance. Receiving the guests The young girl stands at her mother's side near the principal entrance to the drawing-room. The names of the guests are announced as they enter the room, and after welcoming them the mother presents her daughter to each. Though apparently a trifling distinction, it is in better taste, and shows a knowledge of good form, if the daughter is introduced to her mother's friends rather than that they should be presented to her. The only duty devolving upon the hostess and her daughter is to speak to the guests as they enter, and again as they leave, and to stand always at the door of the room, so that there shall be no difficulty in finding them. They need not stand as though rooted to the spot. If interest in something one has said or the desire to prolong the momentary conversation lead the young woman a few steps from her place, after the first rush of arrivals is over, it but shows her to be natural and at her ease. "It is the first step that costs," and if our maiden can prevent her smile from becoming set and her manner mechanical, she will impress many in her favor. She should pronounce the name of each person with distinctness and a gracious inflection of the voice when presented, and not make too obvious a difference in greeting her personal friends from her new acquaintances, though a heartier hand-clasp may express her pleasure and cordiality. of the hostess Three or four girl friends are usually stationed about the rooms to assist in receiving and enterThe taining the guests, while two others repassistants resent the hostess in the dining-room. These of course arrive before the hour appointed in the invitations, wearing light, high-necked gowns that harmonize with each other, and without hats. If they have about the same set of acquaintances, they will know many of the guests present, but if they do not know them by name, they are representing the hostess and may speak to any one; particularly is it their duty to single out for attention any who may seem unacquainted with those present. The conversation. generally opens with the invitation "Will you not come into the dining-room, and let me get you some tea or something?" Let these young women remember that they are detailed for duty, and in their conversation with the young men present (for men are included in the invitations and their presence is appreciated) not forget their representative character. The table In the dining-room the table is tastefully arranged with flowers, lights, and other pretty decorations of bonbons, cakes, etc., a single color predominating. Pink or white and green are the favorite colors for the decorations. Three or four men-servants are in attendance. The menu differs in no way from that of an ordinary "tea," invitations to which include one's entire acquaintance. An orchestra is usually concealed behind a screen of plants and palms or a portière of smilax. A little The entertainment often concludes with a little dinner, given to the young women who have helped to receive the guests and to dinner to other particular friends of the young queen of the fête. She is now fairly conclude the fête out," as the current cant phrase has it, and invitations probably follow. Some persons think it in better taste to give a more quiet notification to friends that a daughter |
