The Washington times., 1894-07-22

would be the correct thing to do for various
reasons. The mistress Of tho house would bo
sure to be at home, and, being at home, she
would probably prefer to receive calls on that
day, but 1t almost amounts to q matter OF con-
venience on the part of the caller as to whether
engagements permit. 1t Is etiquette to call
second time before q call has been re-
turned? The answer Is mo" not as regards
mere acquaintances; even il the call Is de-
layed, 1t must still be waited for, but 1t in no
wise interferes with invitations being given
and accepted. and call overdue is beside the
question. Between friends this etiquette il
not in force, and friend might call once or
twice on another without hesitation, how
ever long a call was overdue.
Ii call is returned by card, what Is in
tended thereby? AS a general rule. it is
meant to restrict the acquaintance to a card
leaving one. This conclusion should not be
arrived at, however, without positive proof
that such is the case. A second occurrence,
for instance, would be a decided proof On
the other hand, it Is sometimes done inad-
vertentiy, and frequently through press Of
engagements and want OF leisure; it is, there
Tore. all important to give acquaintances the
benefit of the doubt in the first instance.
When the conclusion, however, amounts to
an established fact, the call should be re-
turned by cards only after considerable in-
terval Of time.
months, nine months, or even twelve months,
has too long period OF time been allowed to
elapse to admit of its being paid? No; pro-
viding there is the smallest excuse or justifi-
cation for its having been so long delayed.
Say, living far apart in town, or in the
country at a considerable distance, absence
from home or occupation or illness
being paramount excuses to urge; but II
indifference or caprice are the only reasons,
and neither of the foregoing excuses exist so
tardy call would hardly be acceptable. and
a more auspicious occasion should bs
sought for renewing the acquaintance. An
other point on this head affects country
residents. For instance, a resident has failed
to call upon a new conner on first arrival,
yet, after perhaps year or eighteen
months, circumstances induce the wish
to call. Perhaps the new conner has be-
come popular in the Deighborhood, or has
proved to be smarter than was at first
supposed, or prejudices have worn of and
Under such conditions can call be NADER
Yes; 1t can be and is made. but the meekest
spirited woman feels trifie hurt at this post
poned recognition and return ii rather
against the grain, but the force of circum.
stances almost compels the acceptance OF the
proffered civility SO late in coming.
Widows and single women are often In
doubt as to how bachelors calls car be ac-
knowledged, especially calls from the married
clergymen. As matter Of course, cards cam
not be left by ladies SO situated. An invita-
ton to luncheon, tea, or dinner is the received
WAY OF acknowledging these calls, save in the
case Of parochial calls. which have no society
Specification; but when son is living with
bis mother or brother with sister these
gentlemen should return the bachelors calls,
occupation permitting.