Visiting in the country is always pleasant. Nowhere does society present a more attractive aspect than at the well-regulated countiy-seat.

The lady who thus receives guests will, however, remember that the truest good breeding and the best means of ensuring the pleasure of her guests, is to leave them as much freedom to do what they please as possible.

The guest's bedroom should be furnished with a writing table, on which the lady will place an inkstand, blotting book, and stationery; and also a Bible. A bouquet or two about the room in summer, and a fire in winter, will give the chamber a homelike air of welcome.

If the visitor has no maid with her, the lady's maid or the upper housemaid should be sent to see if she requires any attendance, and to assist her to unpack if she likes any aid.

From breakfast-time till luncheon a visitor amuses herself, either reading, working, writing letters, or strolling in the grounds, but on no account intruding on the morning avocations of her entertainer.

At luncheon, plans are generally arranged for the afternoon's amusements.

Luncheon is nearly as important a meal as dinner in the present day. We will, therefore, say something about it here.

People are not taken in to luncheon. The hostess sometimes even leads the way to the dining-room herself, when the butler announces it.

It is always now a substantial and elegant meal. The table should be well covered; cold and hot meat, game, vegetables, tarts, pudding, creams, etc, are all put on it at the same time; and after once handing round the plates of food chosen, the servants leave the room, and the family and guests wait on themselves.

If there are children in the house they dine with their governess at luncheon, and should be trained to behave as little ladies and gentlemen; the little boys acting as small pages, and removing plates, etc.

Music, charades, and other games are frequent evening amusements in country houses.

You should never invite yourself to stay with even a near relation. It is a great liberty to do so, and may cause inconvenience to your friend, or give her and yourself the pain of a refusal.

A general invitation should never be acted on. It is often given as a mere act of courtesy; if it was meant, it would be followed up by a special one, sooner or later.

The length of a visit is generally now specified in the invitation. If, however, it is not specified, a week is as long as you can properly remain, unless strongly pressed to do so; or unless you should be at the house of a relative or old friend. But long visits are, in a general way, very objectionable, being a great infliction on a family if not desired, and standing in the way of the reception of other guests.

On Making Presents

There is much courtesy demanded in giving or accepting a present. Do not offer a gift with the assurance that "it is not worth having," or that "you really don't want it yourself." Give it gracefully. Ask your friend to accept " a trifle as a very small token of your regard," etc. etc.

" Nothing is more popular than s?nall presents," says Miss Sinclair; and she was right. A valuable gift oppresses the recipient with a sense of obligation; a small gift pleases and obliges at the same time.

You must not be too eager to return a gift. Wait for a time before you do so. The best gifts to offer are elegant curiosities, a book, flowers, or game.

Never refuse a present if you can possibly accept it; it is very discourteous to do so.

Married ladies may receive trifling gifts from single gentlemen, who, being in the habit of visiting much at their house, may consider they are under an obligation for hospitality received which they cannot otherwise return.