In the short story 'The Social Triangle' by O. Henry, the author makes reference to small cards he calls 'visiting cards.' In other societies, such as in England, these cards were also called 'calling cards.' Their purpose was to introduce a visitor to the household and observe social niceties such as the accurate representation of exactly who it was that had called should the householders not be 'at home.' This was important because the practice was mainly found within the 'higher' social classes. there was a strict social etiquette attached to visiting with folks at that time. For example, a lady could decide not to be 'at home' to visitors on a certain afternoon. It is significant because often these classes had servants to answer the door and introduce guests. The visitor did not have to impart complicated descriptions to the butler/maid but just leave their 'calling card' if there was no letter box, for example.
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