The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-11-18

seat, bell in hand. This he rings at inter-
walls. till some lady comes up TO invite him
TO dance. One youth, whose patience was
tried by being left to toll the bell too long
a time, finally settled the matter by seiZ-
ing the bell with both hands and changing
away with such force that in self-defeDse
half dozen young women rusned up to
urge their hands upon him. Another man,
whose wears permitted this pleasantly,
had hardly sounded the bell before bevy
of girls, at sign from the leader, crowded
around, presenting an embarrassing wealth
of choice. flute or a whistle may be
substituted for The bell.
Thu fenci z figure is quite novel; it was
introduced at ball given by the Marcnio-
ness of Dufferin, but has never been at
tempted at any cotIllon given in this couG-
try Ii, however, can only be successfully
carried out by those who understand fenc-
ing, an accomplishment not so rare in
these athletic times
A little pOwder-puff, literally sprinkled,
Is fixed 10 the end of the foil. This leaves
IT'S snowy mark on the opponents coat
each time the successful man pricks him.
and when a vital spot is touched, the
weapons are Dropped and the victor waItZes
away with his prize. Half doZen couples
may try this at time, If the foils are
plentiful.
In the pyramid figure ten ladies stand in
the center OF the room; four in the first
line, three in the mex, then two, then one.
- There should be space of two feet be-
tween them. In and out of this twines a
line of dozen men, hand in hand. When
the leader claps his hands, each sc yes the
lady of his choice and dances with her.
The door figure is one which requires
some previous arrangement. although not
an elaborate amount. Light doorways
made of lalhs of wood nailed together in
shape like the framework of a door, are
-. H..
ing different color in order to make the
scene As gay as possible. These are placed
al intervals down the middle of the room
and held in position by two of the COM
pany. The dancers then waltz down the
room, rushing through the each OF the deli
cate obstacles in turn.
The most effective or striking figure
should always be reserved for the conelud-
ing one. The SNOWFALL figure Is very su t.
able for this purpose. indeed, for obvious
reasons it must come ar the end of the
evening.
A number of balls filed with tiny frag-
ments of white paper and covered with
tissue paper are thrown at given signal
into the air and fall in shower of snow,
through which at the magic word "cotil-
lon" all dance.
For the auction figure six rosettes with
numbers are given to the ladies. The auc-
- tioneer requires six bOnbonnleres, num-
'bered and filled with sweets, and a gayel.
SIX ladies choose twelve gentlemen and
the auction begins. The bon bonnieres are
sold one after another to the highest bid
der. no gentleman being allowed ~ buy
more than one. After the sale the hon.
bonnieres are presented to the ladies
whose mum beTs correspond. Inc men who
have been unable to secure boxes OF sweets
have 20 withdraw, while the rest conclude
the figure with dance.
The rhyminR figure Is extremely un-
popular with the man who has no poetry
In his soul. A lady invites gentlepnn
to dance. II ne cannot respond In rhyme
Oh the instant she passes to another and
so on until some mbryo poet is discovered
This figure is the oppnrtuniIy-or other,
wise-ior the mute, inglorlons Millions.
with which the world is generally sup
posed to be well supplied.
The mariners compass is a charming
): figure somewhat similar TO the ever popu-
lar Maypole. To high pole is attached
the dial OF a large compass made of
painted cardboard, TO which ara tied
eight or fhiriy-two long variegated rib
bons, on each of which is inscri bed one
of the points of tho compass. This card
is soon surrounded by cavaliers wear
ing as a badge a miniature compass
held with a colored rosette; behind
this ring a second one is formed by the
Young women, who each catch hold of a
ribbon. at the end of which Is attached
some pretty trifle as gift. They then
iurp around, but in an opposite direction
10 the men, until suddenly. at a word from
the leader the double circle Is broken,
when the players divide into couples,
every one showing a different shade; then
follows the waltz
A word about fayors. Sachet-bags. bon-
bonnieres, poWder-pnffs, fans. whips, to-