The signature of a man should be John J.
       Wilson or J. Jones Wilson.

An unmarried woman should sign social letters as Minnie Wilson, and a business letter as Miss Minnie Wilson.  A married woman should sign a social letter as Agnes Wilson.  In signing a business letter, a married woman may either sign her name Mrs. Agnes Wilson, or, preferably,

       Agnes Wilson
       (Mrs. John Wilson)

Afternoon calls.  These should be made between
       three and half-past five, and if possible on
       regular at home days.

       In making an afternoon call a man should
       wear the regulation afternoon dress.

  Dress—­men.  Afternoon dress consists of a
       double-breasted frock coat of dark material,
       and waistcoat, either single or double-
       breasted, of same, or of some fancy material
       of late design.  The trousers should be of
       light color, avoiding of course extremes in
       patterns.

White or delicate color linen shirts should
be worn, patent leather shoes, silk hat and
undressed kid gloves of dark color.

Afternoon dress is worn at weddings, afternoon teas, receptions, garden parties, luncheons, church funerals, and at all afternoon functions.

See also evening dress—­men.  Morning
dress—­men.

Afternoon receptions.  See afternoon teas. 
  Given by bachelors, See bachelors’ teas.

Afternoon teas (formal).  These are very successful
       as a rule, due perhaps to their small expense
       and few exactions, and are given with
       many purposes:  to introduce young women
       into society, to allow a hostess to entertain a
       number of her friends, to honor some woman
       of note, etc.

       A formal afternoon tea is one for which
       cards have been issued, naming set date.

Awnings and carpet should be provided from curb to house.  A man should be stationed at the curb to open carriage doors and call them when the guests leave, and another African Teas man should be in attendance at the front door to open it the moment a guest appears at the top step and to direct him to the dressing-room.

       A policeman should be detailed for the occasion
       to keep back the onlookers, and should
       receive a small fee for his services.

At the door of the drawing-room a man should ask the name of each guest, which he announces as the latter enters.  The hostess and those receiving with her should be just within the door to receive the guests.

  Cards.  Each guest should leave a card in the
       tray in the hall.