singly, sometimes; sometimes in couples; and always in elaborate full

dress. They talk two minutes and a quarter and then go. If the lady

receiving the call desires a further acquaintance, she must return the

visit within two weeks; to neglect it beyond that time means "let the

matter drop." But if she does return the visit within two weeks, it then

becomes the other party's privilege to continue the acquaintance or drop

it. She signifies her willingness to continue it by calling again any

time within twelve-months; after that, if the parties go on calling upon

each other once a year, in our large cities, that is sufficient, and the

acquaintanceship holds good. The thing goes along smoothly, now.

The annual visits are made and returned with peaceful regularity and

bland satisfaction, although it is not necessary that the two ladies

shall actually see each other oftener than once every few years. Their

cards preserve the intimacy and keep the acquaintanceship intact.

For instance, Mrs. A. pays her annual visit, sits in her carriage and

sends in her card with the lower right hand corner turned down, which

signifies that she has "called in person;" Mrs. B: sends down word that

she is "engaged" or "wishes to be excused"--or if she is a Parvenu and

low-bred, she perhaps sends word that she is "not at home." Very good;

Mrs. A. drives, on happy and content. If Mrs. A.'s daughter marries,

or a child is born to the family, Mrs. B. calls, sends in her card with

the upper left hand corner turned down, and then goes along about her

affairs--for that inverted corner means "Congratulations." If Mrs. B.'s

husband falls downstairs and breaks his neck, Mrs. A. calls, leaves her

card with the upper right hand corner turned down, and then takes her

339

The Gilded Age