bed. On these occasions cards should be left without inquiry as to
whether the hostess is at home, although after a dinner-party it is the
rule to ask if she is at home, as to dine at a house denotes a greater
intimacy than being present at a large gathering. If the hostess were
not at home, cards should be left.

If a lady has been but once present at any entertainment, whether the
invitation came through a mutual friend or direct from the hostess
herself, the hostess being but a slight acquaintance of her own, besides
leaving cards on her the day following, she can, if she desires, leave
cards on her the following season, or, if residing in the same town,
within a reasonable time of the entertainment; but if these cards are
not acknowledged by cards being left in return, she should of course
understand that the acquaintance is to proceed no further.

A lady should not leave cards on another lady to whom she has but
recently been introduced at a dinner-party or afternoon tea; for
instance, she must meet her several times in society, and feel sure that
her acquaintance is desired, before venturing to leave cards. If two
ladies are of equal rank, tact will be their best guide as to the
advisability of leaving cards or not upon each other; the lady of
superior rank may take the initiative if she pleases. If either of the
ladies express a wish to further the acquaintance by asking the other to
call upon her, the suggestion should come from the lady of highest rank;
if of equal rank it is immaterial as to which first makes the
suggestion. But in either case the call should be paid within the week.

* * * * *

=Leaving Cards upon New-comers.=--In the country the residents should be
the first to leave cards on the new-comers, after ascertaining the
position which the new-comers occupy in society.

Persons moving in the same sphere should either leave cards or call
according as they intend to be ceremonious or friendly, and the return
visits should be paid in like manner, a card for a card, a call for a
call.

It is the received rule that residents should call on new-comers,
although having no previous acquaintance with them, or introductions to
them.

New-comers, even if of higher rank, should not call on residents in the
first instance, but should wait until the residents have taken the
initiative. If residents do not wish to continue the acquaintance after
the first meeting, it is disc