erned. To briefly explain the custom,
a card turned down at the corner, or across one end, signifies that
the call was made in person, and is sometimes very convenient when one
wishes it distinctly understood that the card was brought in person,
not sent; while one folded through the center denotes that the call
includes all members of the family. A man should not turn down the
corners of his cards.

Minor interpretations, such as which end or which corner is to be
turned down on different occasions, even the surviving adherents of
the custom do not pretend to agree upon.

How to Leave Cards.

In leaving cards follow the fashion of those who have paid you the
same courtesy. If a call has been made upon you, return it by a call,
as to return a personal visit by the sending of a bit of pasteboard
would partake of the nature of a slight. If cards only have been sent
you by a servant, return cards in the same manner by messenger or
servant; if they were sent by mail, return by mail. If the cards of
any of the gentlemen of a house are left, always leave the cards of
any gentleman of your family in return.

Of course first calls should be made and returned in person, the
card-leaving formalities coming later on. This rule is departed from
only by a few ladies whom age, health, social or literary duties will
excuse from making personal calls. These frequently permit themselves
to send out cards in place of a first call, either accompanying them
with, or immediately following them by an invitation to some
entertainment. This attention should receive the same notice as a
first call; cards should be sent in return, together with an answer to
the invitation, if it is of a nature to require it, and a personal
call must be made thereafter, unless it was simply an afternoon tea,
and an invitation sent in return speedily as possible.

A lady leaves a card for a lady only, a gentleman leaves cards for the
host and hostess of a house. Some authorities assert that a man making
the first call of ceremony should, in addition to the first-mentioned
cards, if none of the family are at home, leave another folded down
through the center for the other members of the family. The folding,
however, is questionable taste and the requisite number of cards would
be better left in their original state. Cards should be left for the
daughters of a house; if there are sons, a lady may leave one of her
husband's for them also.

Number of Cards