The Return from an Absence, including any length of time, should be announced by sending out cards having the address and reception day engraved upon them. Where P. P. C. cards have been issued previous to departure these should always follow the return.
Preceding a Debut. Previous to the date decided upon for the presentation of a _débutante_ to the social world, the young girl’s mother calls upon those of her friends whom she desires to be present upon the occasion and leaves them her own and her husband’s cards, and, if she have grown sons, their cards also.
Reception Invitations to a full dress reception are preceded by a call by card upon all the acquaintances to whom the hostess may be indebted.
After Cards is the name applied to those that are sent to friends after a marriage and are engraved thus:
Later on, however, when the bride returns visits, she usually leaves her own card with her married name engraved upon it, thus:
at the same time leaving her husband’s separate card with her own.
Before Marriage, the bride expectant in paying her farewell calls, leaves her own separate card, together with that of her mother or chaperon, with all acquaintances she may wish to retain in her new life.
After Entertainments, a card, in large cities, is sufficient, unless it be after a dinner or a wedding reception, when a personal call is made. If the wedding invitations have been to the church only, not including the gathering at the house, some most exclusive people send cards to the bride’s parents, afterwards inviting the young people to their entertainments. But a dinner absolutely requires a personal call.
Even gentlemen, usually so remiss in such matters, are rather expected to leave a card in person after a dinner. Any invitation, however, coming from a new acquaintance, necessitates a personal call, unless the intercourse is not to be kept up. In towns and smaller cities, a personal call is made after entertainments of any size.
After a Tea a visit is paid and thus the visiting etiquette for a year is established. Before the season is over, however, the lady, if she expects to retain her position in society for the next season, must give a tea, or a series of teas, inviting all who have similarly honored her. This must be done before the season closes. Where the tea is not attended, cards should be sent to the house the same day.