ncommoded by
well-meant but ill-timed calls at an hour when she is most busy. "P. p.
c." cards intimate the acquaintance is to be resumed on the sender's
return.

The custom of turning down the corner to signify the call was made in
person is now entirely obsolete.

First Calls.--It is desirable, when making a first call, to meet the lady
called upon, and it is best to have been properly introduced. In the case
of a stranger, the oldest or most prominent member of the social circle of
the town should call first. A polite expedient by which a newcomer makes
entree into the society of a new place of residence is by sending her
cards to those whom she wishes to know. These are, if possible, to be
accompanied by the card of some well-known friend, who thus becomes her
social sponsor.

[692 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

A first call must be returned, and within two weeks at the outside. Not to
return such a call is a gross breach of etiquette. Even if one does not
wish or intend to keep up the acquaintance the return call must be made.
After this call she may act her pleasure. If a newcomer extends an
invitation to an older resident, she should at once leave cards and send a
regret or an acceptance. If the invitation comes through a friend, and she
is unacquainted with the hostess, she must call soon; but if the call is
not returned, or another invitation extended, she must understand the
acquaintance is ended. The newcomer may invite her late hostess to some
affair at her own house, and if the invitation is accepted, may understand
the acquaintance is established.

A stranger often finds her social progress slow unless she has
acquaintances in her new location who can help place her where she wishes
to be. The easiest way is to identify herself with some church, attend
regularly, and the pastor calling on the new member of his congregation
and finding her acceptable, will ask some of the ladies of the church to
call. These calls should be returned within two weeks; it would be a
discourtesy to the pastor not to acknowledge them.

INVITATIONS.

The Formal Invitation.--A dinner-party is the most formal and most
important of all social functions. We may invite all our acquaintances to
a ball or a reception. We may select more carefully for our teas and
luncheons, but the dinner is reserved as the greatest compliment to be
paid those we wish to honor. Therefore an immediate acceptance or regret
must be sent, and nothing but