in the
vehicle, and remain in it until the visit is over.

29. FOR MORNING CALLS, it is well to be neatly attired; for a costume
very different to that you generally wear, or anything approaching an
evening dress, will be very much out of place. As a general rule, it may
be said, both in reference to this and all other occasions, it is better
to be under-dressed than over-dressed.

A strict account should be kept of ceremonial visits, and notice
how soon your visits have been returned. An opinion may thus be
formed as to whether your frequent visits are, or are not,
desirable. There are, naturally, instances when the
circumstances of old age or ill health will preclude any return
of a call; but when this is the case, it must not interrupt the
discharge of the duty.

30. IN PAYING VISITS OF CONDOLENCE, it is to be remembered that they
should be paid within a week after the event which occasions them. If
the acquaintance, however, is but slight, then immediately after the
family has appeared at public worship. A lady should send in her card,
and if her friends be able to receive her, the visitor's manner and
conversation should be subdued and in harmony with the character of her
visit. Courtesy would dictate that a mourning card should be used, and
that visitors, in paying condoling visits, should be dressed in black,
either silk or plain-coloured apparel. Sympathy with the affliction of
the family, is thus expressed, and these attentions are, in such cases,
pleasing and soothing.

In all these visits, if your acquaintance or friend be not at
home, a card should be left. If in a carriage, the servant will
answer your inquiry and receive your card; if paying your visits
on foot, give your card to the servant in the hall, but leave to
go in and rest should on no account be asked. The form of words,
"Not at home," may be understood in different senses; but the
only courteous way is to receive them as being perfectly true.
You may imagine that the lady of the house is really at home,
and that she would make an exception in your favour, or you may
think that your acquaintance is not desired; but, in either
case, not the slightest word is to escape you, which would
suggest, on your part, such an impression.

31. IN RECEIVING MORNING CALLS, the foregoing description of the
etiquette to be observed in paying them, will be of considerable
servi