A lady's hands and feet form so great a feature in the estimation of her
beauty, that they are made a distinctive test for deciding preferences
on certain occasions.
Thus, partners for the dance are sometimes chosen in a way that excites
a great deal of mirth. The custom is called "choosing by hands."
A large round screen, made expressly for the purpose, stands at one end
of a ball-room; behind this a certain number of ladies--generally twelve
at a time--place themselves, accompanied by the master of the
ceremonies. The opening in the doorway is then closed. The screen,
though not closed at the top, is sufficiently high to completely mask
the ladies, and there are in it twelve or more small apertures, lined or
faced with a soft crimson or other warm-coloured velvet, sufficiently
large to admit of a hand being passed through, so that it may be seen
and criticised on the exposed side of the screen. Through one of these
openings each of the ladies passes her right hand, and the gentlemen
choose the hand they prefer, each by touching a spring nearest the hand
selected, and at the same time announcing his name. The chosen one is
immediately led out from behind the screen and presented by the master
of ceremonies to the gentleman, in the midst of the applause or
merriment of the company before the screen, and of the rest of the
ladies behind it. Ladies are very particular about their hands and
nails, and, as may easily be conceived, give them a little extra
attention before going to a party.