meaningless, but indicate courtesy, kindly
interest and regard.

[MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 689]

For Men.--Whereas the married man may discharge some of his social
obligations through his wife, the bachelor has no such resource. In
response to every invitation, accepted or otherwise, he must pay a visit,
leaving cards. Unless he does this, his invitations will soon cease.

A man may pay Sunday afternoon visits, as he is not supposed to be at
leisure during the week. An evening call indicates greater intimacy. If he
calls upon a young lady he must leave two cards, one for her and one for
her mother.

Letters of Introduction--Letters of introduction are never presented in
person. The man must call and leave the letter, with his card, but on no
account enter the house. The next step is to be taken by the recipient of
the letter.

At a Hotel.--If a man calls on a lady at a hotel he sends up his card and
waits in a reception room. It is not permissible to write on his card the
name of the member of the family whom he wishes to see. That is to be the
subject of later inquiry.

Styles in Cards.--Styles in cards vary, both for men and women. Usually
the stationer will be a reliable guide as to size and style of engraving.
A printed or written card should never be used, nor, according to strict
etiquette, should acceptances, regrets or informal invitations be written
on cards. Use note paper.

A woman's card should be of medium size and nearly square. Plain script,
Old English or Roman are the only letterings used. Engraved plates, once
obtained, may be used a long time. The street address, if used, is at the
lower right-hand corner. This can be changed on one's plate, if necessary,
by ways known to the maker. Men's cards are much smaller than women's, and
must be engraved. The name is always prefaced by "Mr."

Use of Names.--A married woman uses her husband's full name on her cards.
A widow who happens to be the oldest representative of the family may have
her cards engraved without her own or her husband's name, as "Mrs. Astor;"
this signifies her place as social head of the family. A clergyman's card
may have Rev. as a prefix; a physician's Dr., never M. D. A young girl is
always Miss, and pet names are without social recognition. For a year
after she enters society a girl has her name engraved beneath her
mother's; where there are several daughters "out," "The Misses Smith" may
be engraved under the mother's name