eleven o’clock in the morning
If you do not wish to continue the acquaintance any farther , you need not return a second call , but politeness imperatively demands a return of the first one . A call may be made upon ladies in the morning or afternoon ; but in this country , where almost every man has some business to occupy his day , the evening is the best time for paying calls . You will gain ground in easy intercourse and friendly acquaintance more rapidly in one evening , than in several morning calls . Never make a call upon a lady before eleven o'clock in the morning , or after nine in the evening . Avoid meal times . If you inadvertently call at dinner or tea time , and your host is thus forced to invite you to the table , it is best to decline the civility . If , however , you see that you will give pleasure by staying , accept the invitation , but be careful to avoid calling again at the same hour .