After Social Functions.—­Now here is the law as regards leaving cards after social functions:  After receiving invitations to receptions, dinners, luncheons, card parties or evening entertainments, calls are to be made within a week after the event, whether one has accepted or not.  However, in some localities, it is thought correct to leave cards at the time if one attends the function, or send them if not attending.  It is safest to ascertain the local custom in advance.  The correct etiquette is to call afterwards.

An invitation to a church wedding necessitates sending cards to those in whose name the invitation was issued and to the newly wedded pair.  The same is true of announcement cards.  Cards for an afternoon tea do not require reply; those present leave their own cards and those of any member of the family who was invited but did not attend.

After Absence.—­Another use of cards is when one returns home after a long absence.  Cards with one’s address are sent to previous acquaintances, as a notification that the sender wishes to resume her social relations.  In case of a friend’s illness, one should call to make personal inquiries, leaving a card on which is written “To inquire.”  After a death, cards may be left or sent, on which it is correct to write “With sincere sympathy.”  After the funeral, cards are sent by those bereaved to those who have thus manifested regard, with the words “With thanks for kind inquiries” or remembrances.

Thus we see cards are not meaningless, but indicate courtesy, kindly interest and regard.

[Manners and social customs 689]

For Men.—­Whereas the married man may discharge some of his social obligations through his wife, the bachelor has no such resource.  In response to every invitation, accepted or otherwise, he must pay a visit, leaving cards.  Unless he does this, his invitations will soon cease.

A man may pay Sunday afternoon visits, as he is not supposed to be at leisure during the week.  An evening call indicates greater intimacy.  If he calls upon a young lady he must leave two cards, one for her and one for her mother.

Letters of Introduction—­Letters of introduction are never presented in person.  The man must call and leave the letter, with his card, but on no account enter the house.  The next step is to be taken by the recipient of the letter.

At a Hotel.—­If a man calls on a lady at a hotel he sends up his card and waits in a reception room.  It is not permissible to write on his card the name of the member of the family whom he wishes to see.  That is to be the subject of later inquiry.

Styles in Cards.—­Styles in cards vary, both for men and women.  Usually the stationer will be a reliable guide as to size and style of engraving.  A printed or written card should never be used, nor, according to strict etiquette, should acceptances, regrets or informal invitations be written on cards.  Use note paper.