three o'clock in the afternoon. It consists of complete black evening
dress similar in cut and style to that worn by gentlemen. There are no
braidings or facings, though the material of the suit may be every whit
as excellent in quality as that worn by the master of the house. The
butler does not wear a white waistcoat, a watch chain, or jeweled studs
with his after noon or evening livery. Nor may he wear a boutonniere or
an assertive tie or patent leather shoes. And it is extremely bad taste
for him to use perfume of any kind. He wears white linen with plain
white studs in the shirt front, a standing collar, white lawn tie and
plain black shoes. His watch is slipped into his waistcoast pocket
without chain or fob. White gloves are no longer the custom for men
servants in the private home. When acting as footman to his mistress in
the afternoon, the butler wears the livery described for the second man.
In cold weather he is supplied with a long footman's coat; and he is also
supplied with a top hat and gloves, all matching in color and style those
worn by the chauffeur.


THE SECOND MAN

The second man may be employed exclusively for the house, or he may be
employed solely to serve as footman, sitting next to the chauffeur when
the mistress is motoring. In the latter case he wears the regular livery
matching that worn by the chauffeur. But usually a second man is expected
to help in the house besides serving as footman. He assists the butler by
answering the door bell whenever the other is busy or occupied elsewhere.
He washes dishes and windows and polishes the silver. He tends to the
open fireplace in winter, and to the arranging of the flowers in the
summer. The veranda, front steps and courtyard are also in his care.
And when there are guests for dinner, or at a large entertainment, he