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Philosophy And Precepts Of Etiquette (Mere ceremonial calls the lady)
6. On mere ceremonial calls, the lady usually leaves her own and husband's 7. "
Not at home" is the usual excuse alleged when it is inconvenient to receive 8. A guest admitted must be seen, no matter how inconvenient. 9. An informal caller should not be detained while the hostess dons an elaborate toilet; they should be received in a morning dress. 10. No call should be so made as to come in conflict with any meal-hour of the person called on. 11. All customs bow not only to "great kings." but also to the visitor from a distance, who may not have the time to consult all of the ceremonies in calls, etc. 12. If any acquaintance has a visiting friend, you should call, and it is the duty of the acquaintance and friend to return the call. 13. Only during long protracted illness, may lady friends visit a gentleman. 14. On recovering from a spell of sickness, all calls that have been made should be returned. Leaving your card will answer. 15. After attending any entertainment at a house, leave your card there within a week. If unable to attend, call earlier to express regrets. 16. Immediately on hearing of a bereavement, leave your card, and call within a week. 17. A gentleman is received, by the hostess slightly rising and bowing; a lady, by her rising and advancing towards her. 18. When a lady retires, if there be no other guests, the hostess should attend her to the door. 19. If others are present, she may only be able to rise and bid her adieu. 20. A gentleman receives his friend by meeting him at the door, cordially shaking his hand, and assisting him with his overcoat, hat, etc. chair. 21. During visits, strictly of ceremony, the gloves are not removed. 22. Be easy and natural while calling. Do not fidget, nor hitch about on your 23. While waiting for the hostess, never try the piano, examine the cards, pictures, etc. Such curiosity is contemptible.
24. In leaving, make no excuse, such as: "Well, I must go." "What a time I've stayed," etc. Merely rise gracefully, say "good-bye," "good evening," or " good day," and quietly withdraw.
XXIV. Visiting Cards. 1. THE styles in these are legion. They should bear no titles except such as are intended to make them descriptive. "Miss," "Mrs.," The Misses," are of course permissible; but Prof.," Hon.," 'Esq.," are tabooed. It is even doubt- . It is even doubtful if a physician should use the Dr.," or the M. D.," on a visiting card bearing his name and initials. 2. Army and naval officers in service are allowed their titles on their cards, as or "U. S. N.," below the name. Capt., etc. ; though it is better to have only the name and the initials, "U. S. A.," or "U. S. N.," below the name. 3. The eldest girl of a family is "Miss Jones," " Miss Brown," or whatever the name may be; the others are called by their Christian names, with this title prename may be; the others are called by their Christian names, with this title prefixed, as "Miss Mary," " Miss fixed, as Miss Mary," Miss Bella," etc. 4. It is correct, when several sisters use a single card, to use "The Misses Holcomb," The Misses Dye," etc.
XXV. New Year's Calls. 1. ARE generally made by two, or even more gentlemen together, and it is the occasion for renewing their acquaintance with lady friends. 2. Cards with emblematic designs, and "Happy New Year," etc., are left. 3. These calls should be very short. 4. Refreshments are almost invariably offered, but may be accepted or not. 5. Of course no gentleman will suffer himself to become intoxicated upon such an occasion. 6. Overcoats, gloves and hats should be removed in the hall, where a servant should be in waiting to assist the caller. 7. It is usual in city circles to send the card from the hall to the drawing-room, and to follow it after removing wraps . 8. Many ladies receive with friends either at their own homes or at those of their friends. 9 When receiving away from home, notification should be given. 10. Cards must be left with every lady receiving.
Cards must be left with every lady receiving. 11. A gentleman introduced on this occasion is not privileged to call again without special invitation. special invitation. 12. A New Year's call may be made as early as ten A. M., but never later than nine P. M. 13. The two or three days succeeding the New Year, ladies devote to calling among themselves, and hence they are often called ladies' days." 14. For receiving calls, halls and rooms should be warm, and the reception room decorated. These rooms are usually darkened, and the gas lit.
CHAPTER XXXI.
ETIQUETTE OF THE STREET, BALL, CHURCH, ETC.
I. STREET DEPORTMENT. - II. GENERAL RULES OF STREET DEPORTMENT. III. SPECIAL RULES OF