the part of their guests in order that the
departure may be gracefully accomplished. Never detain the visitor,
who is attempting to leave, by protests, by inquiries, or by the
introduction of new subjects. One writer very pertinently says: "The
art of leaving on the part of the guest needs to be supplemented by
the art of letting go on the part of the host."

First Calls.

There is, possibly, more difference of opinion on the subject of _who_
shall make the first visit or call and _when_ it shall be made, than
almost any other point of etiquette. At the same time more importance
is attached to it than to almost any other social question, and it
touches more uniformly every phase of city or country life than any
other canon of courtesy.

Neither neighborliness, nor good-Samaritan feeling, can exist without
the civility of a call, and, when there is too great a hesitancy on
the part of a resident to call upon the newcomer, one is reminded
either of the priest or the Levite as they "passed by upon the other
side," or is forced to recall the parvenue's dread of losing a footing
in social circles.

Common sense and kindliness of heart are always to be relied upon in
matters of this nature, and the initiative may safely be taken by
those who have social position, age, or length of residence on their
side. Of course in large cities the immense demands of social life
give a certain immunity from anything like promiscuous calling to
those whose circle of acquaintance has already grown beyond the limits
of their time. In towns and villages, however, no such immunity
exists, and a call may be easily made, or a card left, while, on the
other hand, should the new acquaintance prove "pushing," or in any way
obnoxious, one simply ceases to leave one's cards and the evil is done
away with.

Many elderly ladies, and others whose time is very much occupied by
social or other duties, excuse themselves from calling customs. Under
such circumstances, they frequently send their cards, accompanied by
an invitation, to newcomers younger in years, thus entirely omitting
the personal visit. Such invitations, whether accepted or not, should
be honored in the same manner as if preceded by a call.

If two people meet pleasantly at a friend's house and wish to continue
the acquaintance so begun, let them not hesitate, should none of the
before-mentioned distinctions exist, as to which should make the first
visit. Still, it is ofttimes wise