Step 1: Clarify what the question is asking.
The problem requires identifying two protocols used in sequence:
First, a protocol that is responsible for sending e-mails, and
Second, a protocol that is used to fetch or receive e-mails from a mail server.
The order of these protocols is important.
Step 2: Determine the protocol used for sending e-mails.
SMTP, or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, is the standard protocol for transmitting e-mails from a client to a mail server and between mail servers.
It is designed specifically for sending messages, not for accessing or downloading them.
Step 3: Determine the protocol used for retrieving e-mails.
POP3, known as Post Office Protocol version 3, allows an e-mail client to retrieve messages from a mail server, usually by downloading them to the local system.
Another retrieval protocol is IMAP, which provides server-side mail management, but it is also not used for sending messages.
Step 4: Evaluate the options provided.
(A) IMAP, POP3: Both are retrieval protocols, so this pair is incorrect.
(B) SMTP, POP3: SMTP handles sending, and POP3 handles receiving. This is the correct pairing.
(C) SMTP, MIME: MIME is used for message formatting and encoding, not for sending or retrieving e-mails.
(D) IMAP, SMTP: IMAP does not send e-mails, so this option is incorrect.
Step 5: Final conclusion.
The correct combination of protocols for sending and retrieving e-mails, in that order, is:
\[ \boxed{\text{SMTP, POP3}} \]