Isabel observed an etiquette of the telephone: a call before eight in the morning was an emergency; between eight and nine it was an intrusion; thereafter calls could be made until ten in the evening, although anything after nine-thirty required an apology for the disturbance. After ten one was into emergency time again.
In "The Sunday Philosophy Club" by Alexander McCall Smith, Isabel recognizes a specific etiquette regarding phone calls. She believes that calls received before eight in the morning should be treated as emergencies, indicating a respect for personal time and boundaries. Calls made between eight and nine, however, are seen as intrusive, suggesting a delicate balance between social obligations and personal space.
Furthermore, Isabel notes that calls are generally acceptable until ten in the evening. Yet, she emphasizes a need for politeness after 9:30 PM, where one should apologize for any disturbance caused by their call. This establishes a clear understanding of acceptable communication hours, reflecting Isabel's awareness of social norms and the importance of consideration in interactions.