The card was conveyed to the mistress of the house, who would then decide whether or not to receive the caller. Out of respect, no questions or inquiries as to the whereabouts of the residents or the mistress were asked during the initial visit.
If the mistress was 'not at home', it was a rejection of the visitor. A reciprocal card may be given to the caller, but if none was given formally, this generally indicated less desire to further the acquaintance. However, if formal calls were given, there was hope for the relationship to grow.
A message could be left without actually greeting the family by turning down a specific corner or folding the card to express sympathy, congratulations or affection. This generally indicated that the card had been delivered in person, rather than by a servant. Some more elaborate cards noted phrases, some of which were in French. They were generally imprinted on the reverse-corner side of the card, stating words such as: Visite, Felicitation, Affaires, and Adieu. The card would then be turned side up, showing the explanation for the visit.
Calls should be made only on at home days. Days and times for these were engraved on visiting cards. A newcomer waited until she received cards from neighbors. It was then good manners to call on those neighbors who left cards.
Formal calls were made following ceremonial events such as engagements, marriages or childbirth, and also as acknowledgement of hospitality. After a specific event, it was courteous to make a call within a week for all condolences and congratulations. A visitor may ask for a more personal admission. If not so intimate, they inquired to the servant as to the person's well-being.
Each visit had a significance and were noted with specific times. Ceremonial visits were made the day after a ball, between three and four o'clock, when it sufficed to simply leave a card. Or the semi-ceremonial calls were made within a day or two after a dinner party between four and five o'clock, and within a week of a small party. It was part of general routine to set aside times for these types of visits.
Remembrance of the beloved, 'Mourning calls' were made in the afternoon.
Sunday was never a day of visit, this day was reserved for close friends and relatives. Visits were brief, lasting less than thirty minutes. During the visits, it was courtesy to leave within a few minutes if another caller arrived.
Standard practice of all calls were returned the same as presented. Example of a call, a card with a card, within one week, or at the most, ten days. If a family was temporarily leaving the area, they wrote P.P.C. (pour prendage conge) on their cards when they called.
Or, we could just keep using the "1" rating here. Same idea....
Or, we could just keep using the "1" rating here. Same idea....