The custom of turning down the corner to signify the call was made in person is now entirely obsolete.

First Calls.—­It is desirable, when making a first call, to meet the lady called upon, and it is best to have been properly introduced.  In the case of a stranger, the oldest or most prominent member of the social circle of the town should call first.  A polite expedient by which a newcomer makes entree into the society of a new place of residence is by sending her cards to those whom she wishes to know.  These are, if possible, to be accompanied by the card of some well-known friend, who thus becomes her social sponsor.

[692 Mothers’ remedies]

A first call must be returned, and within two weeks at the outside.  Not to return such a call is a gross breach of etiquette.  Even if one does not wish or intend to keep up the acquaintance the return call must be made.  After this call she may act her pleasure.  If a newcomer extends an invitation to an older resident, she should at once leave cards and send a regret or an acceptance.  If the invitation comes through a friend, and she is unacquainted with the hostess, she must call soon; but if the call is not returned, or another invitation extended, she must understand the acquaintance is ended.  The newcomer may invite her late hostess to some affair at her own house, and if the invitation is accepted, may understand the acquaintance is established.

A stranger often finds her social progress slow unless she has acquaintances in her new location who can help place her where she wishes to be.  The easiest way is to identify herself with some church, attend regularly, and the pastor calling on the new member of his congregation and finding her acceptable, will ask some of the ladies of the church to call.  These calls should be returned within two weeks; it would be a discourtesy to the pastor not to acknowledge them.

INVITATIONS.

The Formal Invitation.—­A dinner-party is the most formal and most important of all social functions.  We may invite all our acquaintances to a ball or a reception.  We may select more carefully for our teas and luncheons, but the dinner is reserved as the greatest compliment to be paid those we wish to honor.  Therefore an immediate acceptance or regret must be sent, and nothing but illness, accident or death should prevent us from presenting ourselves.  If such obstacles intervene, immediate notice should be given the hostess, that she may supply the place at her table thus made vacant.

Do not write you will “try to come;” that you will come but your husband will not be able to do so, or in any way make your acceptance conditional.  Your hostess may wish to invite another couple; she must know who will be present that she may arrange her table accordingly.  Nothing is so annoying to a hostess as to be obliged to rearrange her table because of some slight excuse on the part of a guest who has once accepted,