The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1899-08-04
CHAPERoNS FOR GIRLS.
Sometimes the Presence of Another
Girl liz Considered Sufficient
Exceptional Occasions.

only cOmpanlOnSnlp ana cnaperOnaBe
that is a support and II safeguard.
1t would seem that out-ofdoors girls
can get on very well without much
chaperonage beyond what they accord
to each other by companionship, and
that outdoor exercise requires very
little further; but when it comes to at
tending large gatherings, of whatever
order they may be, chaperon is neces-
sary, as giving countenance, support
and protection, and in some one to ar
rive with, to leave with, and whose
presence is to be counted upon at any
moment of the afternoon.
In the country, however, family
party of girls can go to large garden
parties without being chapcroncd by
anyone older than themselves, only
that their relatives for their own pleas
urc usually do accompany them.
As regards indoor gatherings, again
the need of chapcronage is decided by
the nature of the function. Two sisters
can chaperon each other in small aft
crnoon at home. or to small dinner
party to which girls are invited with
out their mothers, or to dance given
for girls to which chaperons are not in
yited; but to the larger at homes, smart
dinner parties and large balls, chaper-
onagc OF some kind is considered i'm
perative other than that of a hostess.
Formerly all invitations, socially
speaking, were issued in the name of a
girls mother, but now girl issues in
vtations in her own name when party
is given distinctly for her own friends
apart from those of her mother; girls
and young mcn-she asks them to
luncheon, to dinner, to afternoon OF
evening parties, to one and all when
g;gen under these conditions.
Now that so many clubs allow their
members to invite ladies to luncheon,
dinner or tea, and SO many ladies clubs
admit of invitations being given to men,
it follows that a good deal of hospital
ty is offered on both sides, but it is
thoroughly understood that On thee
occasions a married lady acts as chaper-
On to the girls, whether they are guests
or hostcsscs, and that two young sisters
or two girl friends would not be consid-
cred chaperon sufficient for each other
Mt mems clubs or at bachelors cham
bcrs or flats.
1t need hardly be said that girls-that
is, girls who have seen some 20 sum
mcrs-are frequently invited to coun-
try house parties without any chap
eron, the hostess taking charge of them
for the time being, and perhaps takes
them to race meetings or to balls and
dances during their stay.
bicycling parties and picnics are not
considered occasions when her chapcr-
onage is required as party of ladies
are chaperons sufficient in themselves.
II goes without saying that girls I'M
der these elastic conditions have oppor-
tunitics of encouraging their admirers
that are not given to them when under
the supervision of chaperon--a moth
or or n married sister.
A walk before breakfast in the
grounds in the company of one of the
young men of the party; distancing the
members of a bicycling party and ar
irving at the house in advance to en-
Joy tctc-a-tete stroll before dinner
in the same company, or descending to
the drawing-room after hurried dress
ing for Il quarter of an hours philander-
ing with him before the other guests
are likely to appear, are some of the
little wiles and little ways that Il host
css is not aware of, but which would
not escape the maternal eye when prac-
ticed by these fair maidens.
This brings us to the question of at
what age young ladies may set up
housekeeping together without the
presence of n chaperon; it is a diff
cult one to decide out of hand, as cir
cumstances have much to do with 1t.
Girls and young women who are
obliged to enter the ranks as workers
and to study for various professions,
and for this purpose are compelled to
live alone in flats, chambers, or clubs
unchaperoned by any female relatives,
are outside of this question, and they
must depend upon themselves to act
wisely and discrcetly without counsel
or countenance from those older than
themselves, bearing in mind there is no
criticism so keen and so cruel as that of
men who would lead them to do uncon-
yentional things.-London Queen.