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 departure; this corner means "Condolence." It is very necessary to get the corners right, else one may unintentionally condole with a friend on a wedding or congratulate her upon a funeral.