The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness

When a gentleman calls in the morning he will not remove his outside coat, and will hold his hat in his hand. Never offer to take the latter, and do not invite him to remove his coat. Take no notice of either one or the other. If strangers in the city call upon you, enquire at what hotel they are staying, and how long they will be there, that you may return their call before they leave town. CHAPTER X. MORNING RECEPTIONS OR CALLS. ETIQUETTE FOR THE CALLER. The usual hours for paying morning calls are between eleven and two, or twelve and three, and all calls of ceremony should be made between these hours. Never, in paying a ceremonious call, stay more than twenty minutes, or less than ten. If your hostess has several other visitors at the same time that you are in her parlor, make your visit short, that she may have more attention to bestow upon others. After you have received an invitation to a party, call within a week or fortnight after the evening, whether you have accepted or declined the invitation. If you have declined on account of mourning, the excuse extends also to the call. When the servant answers your ring, hand in your card. If your friend is out or engaged, leave the card, and if she is in, send it up. Never call without cards. You may offend your friend, as she may never hear of your call, if she is out at the time, and you trust to the memory of the servant.