iod
the members of the family are in mourning. Mourning given to servants
on the death of a son or daughter is quite an optional matter.

* * * * *

=Seclusion from Society.=--The question as to how soon persons in
mourning should or should not re-enter society is in some measure an
open one, and is also influenced by the rules that govern the actual
period of mourning adopted.

* * * * *

=A Widow is not expected to enter into Society= under three months, and
during that time she should neither accept invitations nor issue them.
Her visiting should be confined to her relations and intimate friends.
After three months she should commence gradually to enter into society,
but balls and dances should be avoided during the first year.

* * * * *

=For a Daughter mourning for a Parent= the period of seclusion is six
weeks as far as general society is concerned; but invitations to balls
and dances should not be accepted until after six months.

* * * * *

=For a Parent mourning for a Son or Daughter= the period of seclusion is
the same as is that of a daughter for a parent.

* * * * *

=For a Brother or Sister= the period of seclusion is three weeks.

* * * * *

=For Grandparents= the period of seclusion is from a fortnight to
three weeks.

* * * * *

=For an Uncle or Aunt= the period is a fortnight to three weeks.

* * * * *

=For all Other Periods of Mourning= seclusion from society is not
considered requisite.

* * * * *

=When Persons in Mourning= intend entering again into society, they
should leave cards on their friends and acquaintances as an intimation
that they are equal to paying and receiving calls.

* * * * *

=When Cards of Inquiry have been left=, viz. visiting cards with "To
inquire after Mrs. A----" written on the top on right-hand corner of the
cards, they should be returned by cards with "Thanks for kind inquiries"
written upon them (see Chapter III.).

Until this intimation has been given, society does not venture to
intrude upon the seclusion of those in mourning.

Relations and intimate friends are exempt from this received rule.

* * * * *