The Sun.
London, England, 1858-11-06 00:00:00

BEHAVIOUR IN THE BALL-ROOM.

(From Punch's Poact-Book for 1859.)
The subjoined remarks arc addressed exclusively
to young gentlemen. All young ladies know how
to behave:

An invitation to a ball should be sent in an en-
velope, with a sky-blue border, containing a card
perforated with a loop of silver twist. Use a blank
border for fun.

Upon entering the drawing-room, that is the
dancing-room, walk right up to the lady of the
house, and ask if she is convalescent.
Then accost the master of the establishment and
inquire how he finds himself, slapping him on the
back or giving him a poke in the side.
Take your hat up with you, and, having nodded
to all the persons present who have the honour of
your acquaintance, and winked at the general com-
pany, stick it upon your head diagonally, and
knock it hard on with a slap on the crown. „Then
turn your back to the party, and your face to the
nearest looking-glass ; pull up your collars, set
your legs astride, bend your elbows, clench your
fists, set them on your hips, and whistle.
Appear in shepherd's plaid.
Wear dogskin gloves and gaiters.
Ask the oldest lady in the room to dance with
you, addressing her as Old Girl, if you don't know
her name, regardless of ceremony, and without
waitidg for the formality of an introduction. If
there are no very old ladies present, invite the
ugliest girl you can see, and on leading off with
her, say, " Now, then, Venus !" Pay her the most
marked attentions that you possibly can, which
will be both delightful to her and diverting to the
lookers-on.

Keep asking her if you shall fetch her something
warm, or, if you mean an ice, something cold.
When your hostess introduces you to a partner,
lay your hand upon your heart, and bow as low as
you are able, with a smile extending as nearly as
possible from ear to ear. When she gives you her
arm, take her hand as well, and hold it up until
she insists on your letting it go.
Avoid stupid solemnity in dancing. When
opportunity offers, as occasionally in a quadrille,
turn your toes in and make faces, or cut a caper,
and toe and heel it, nautical fashion.
Bear in mind that you have not been invited for
your own mere selfish gratification, but also in
order that you may contribute to the general
amusement. In the intervals between the dances,
therefore, you may sing a comic song, volunteering
the performance. You may unexpectedly pull out
a jew's harp, with -which you have provided your-
self for the purpose, and play a tune upon it. If
there is present any lady of middle age, who looks
particularly stately and dignified, you may.approach
her with respectful gravity, and opening your
cigar case, offer her a chocolate cigar, or if you
like, a real cigarette. Or you may, seizing your
chance at a moment when all eyes are upon you,
draw forth a pocket-pistol as it is called—a travel-
ling brandy-flask—and take a pull at it ; which
having done, with a due regardsafoyrinpgo,l,i,tuenaelses,stoemndele,r,
lace remarks, trivial
theDvoensosetlitnodttlilegeneinarecsotmlmadoyn,-p
compliments, and anecdotes. All these every
youn4. lady you dance with will be accustomed to,
sandimtsir?ed off
Whether
lrher
shesomsaewthtinke something new. Ask if she
wmanlv hanged the
other morning ?
Whether she elikes bull-dogs?
Inform her whose short pipes are the best, where
you can g•et a first-rate chop ; where you go for
boots ; what figure the funds were at that morning.
The mind of woman is fond of novelty.
If a question arises about the priority of the en-
gagement of a partner, propose to toss up for her.
Be attentive at supper--especially to the viands.
Advise the girls about you to pitch into the chicken,
lobster-sallad, and other good things. Ask them if
they are peckish, and if they refuse any plate which
you may offer them, observe that they seem oft
their feed. Invite them to take wine, and in drink-
ing towards any one, say " My love to you."
In taking your departure, say to the person
nearest you in an under tone, " I shall cut,' and
then, raising your voice, " Good night, ladies and
gents.," with which make your exit, it moving all
obstructions with your elbows, and crying as you
go, " By leave !" or " Now, then, out of the way."
In summer, when dancing has been kept up till
three or four in the morning, ,you may say, " Out
of the daylight."
Wherever we are, we should always strive to
make ourselves

;nwa,oluneildleeds,
Glvniefreao.df the
sa
illeise,
s•
‘daughter of Count do Las Cases, the companion of Napo-
wt ehs
os
a
tenant-colonel
loon I. in his exile at St. Helena.
mdeortCalhl
M. Carrel, the French agent who was on board
the Charles Georges, when seized by the Portuguese, has
arrived in Paris.
N JURYMEN.—" Have you found a verdict ?"
saidaicjiEidge to the foreman of a jury. "No, your honour,
we have hunted through every nook and corner of the roo
you sent us to, and we can't find nary one."—AmeriCan
.Paper,