WHO SHOULD MAKE THE FIRST CALL?
The older resident of a place should call on the newcomer to welcome her; the older lady on the younger one, for her position in society is of the greater dignity. Everyone owes a first call to the bride and to the new minister’s wife. When there is no distinction of age or residence, either of two ladies may take the initiative. A first call must be made in person, and be returned in person within two weeks. A person who has been entertained at dinner must call on the hostess within one week. An unmarried man, of course, calls on ladies in person. He should ask for the mistress and master of the house, as well as for the young ladies. American society has passed the primitive stage of "Daisy Miller," whose mother apologized for coming into the parlor when Daisy had callers. If he finds people out, he should not turn down the corner of his card. It is understood that he has called in person.
If a maid says that her mistress is not at home, no caller should ask where she is or when she will return, unless very intimate or On Being "At Home" the matter is important. And don’t take offense if you think some lady is at home. She may really be out, or else not properly dressed. In either case, she is not at home to visitors. The uncertainty on the point seems to make the conventional phrase more agreeable than if a lady is at home and sends word: "Mrs. Allen is engaged and begs to be excused." Some thoughtful ladies have the courteous habit of having maids say, "Mrs. Moore will be very sorry to have missed you. Her receiving day is Tuesday." In calling on a friend who is visiting people with whom you are not acquainted, ask for the hostess and leave a card for her. The acquaintance need not be continued.
CORRECT DRESS FOR LADIES.
When calling, in either the daytime or evening, a lady should wear her handsomest street gown, wrap and hat, a costume such as she would wear to church or an afternoon reception. Receiving in her own home, she should wear her prettiest house gown. A hostess should never outshine her guests. And this brings up the whole subject of suitable dress for all occasions. For ordinary street wear, nothing is in as good taste for a lady as a tailor-made suit. At an evening reception, dinner, dance or theatre, she should wear full dress
