THE ETIQUETTE OF CARDS.

New Zealand Mail, 20 August 1902, Page 28

THE ETIQUETTE OF CARDS.

On the subject of leaving cards there is always much to be said, and at this particular moment, when entertainments are so numerous, the question of leaving cards connected . therewith comes into greater prominence than usual.

When should cards be left and when should calls bo made after entertainments are questions that concern our correspondents not a little, and, therefore, the folowing remarks relative to the same will, no doubt, meet the requirements of many of our readers and subscribers. To leave cards after receiving hospitality is a time-honoured custom which

even in these days of change still holds good. It may be asked how did it originate, and what is the reason for so doing, and why should there bo any difference made, between one function and another —that is to say, why leave cards on one occasion and pay a personal call on another? It would occupy too much space to enter at length into the why and the wherefore of these points in card leaving, it is enough for the purpose of this article to say what is done under given circumstances. Broadly speaking, to leave cards after being entertained by a friend or acquaintance implies a slight recognition of the civility received. The distinction made between leaving cards after a dance or reception and calling after a dinner party is a very sensible one, as to receive calls from one to three hundred people, even if spread over a week, would be more than most women would care to go through, but to receive the calls of from ten to fifteen dinner guests would be pleasant rather than irksome. Again, these calls are reduced in number in most instances by the wives only calling and leaving their husband’s cards, while bachelors’ calls are never over numerous, even after dinner parties. The time allowed to elapse before paying these calls is rather in favour of the caller’s convenience. A call need not be made within the current week if more convenient to postpone it until the following one, hut between the most intimate friends it cannot be dispensed with without some excuse being made for the omission, absence from home, press of engagements, and the like reasons, but something must be said to prove that, if the right thing has not been done, it was not from want of knowledge of what was due on the occasion.