It is only the “cad” who thus presumes, and the “cad-ess” who allows him to do so.
Visiting-cards are never sent by post. They denote a call in person.
P.P.C. Cards.
The only exception to this rule is in sending out P.P.C. cards.
These are always sent by post. The letters denote pour prendre congé (“to take leave”), and are used when it is found impossible to call and say goodbye to all one’s circle of acquaintance.
A call after a ball or dinner-party must be made within the week, and cards left.
Sickness and death.
In calling to inquire after the welfare of an invalid, or after the family has suffered bereavement, cards are always left. If a man is on intimate terms with a family that has suffered bereavement, he sometimes uses cards with a slight line of black, and should he write a letter of condolence, notepaper and envelopes with the same slight indication of mourning on them. This expresses sympathy and a personal share in the sorrow felt.
In making a call after death has visited any family, the dress of the caller should be attuned to the occasion, and should be of a sombre order, though it need not be precisely mourning.
When a man is a frequent visitor to any house, he may leave his hat and stick in the hall.