"DON'T FORGET TO WRITE OFTEN."CHAPTER IIICONGRATULATIONS,[1]CONDOLENCES, RESIGNATIONS, ETC.297. From a Lady Addressing Birthday Congratulations to a Friend.D——, March 14, 19—.My Dear Old Friend:—I have not forgotten that the 16th of March is the anniversary of your birth. I should not like the day to pass without assuring you of my deep and sincere interest in all that concerns you. Our paths lie widely apart, but just such occasions serve as happy opportunities for the interchange of kindly feeling, and the revival of many happy memories. I hope this brief note will reach you on the 16th, also a little token of affectionate regard which I have wrought with my own hand. Pray accept it, not for its own value, but for the sake of the thoughts it represents.Faithfully yours,Elvira Jones.298. Condoling with a Friend about His Failure in Business.L——, August 17, 19—.My Esteemed Old Friend:—We were exceedingly pained to learn from the newspapers of yesterday that, after a long struggle, you have been compelled to yield to the resistless pressure of these hard times. Success in business is often a mere accident and merits little praise, and in like manner, failure in business is often the sad and only return for a long and patient fight against tremendous odds. In these days of merciless competition, the spirit of fair trading seems to be almost buried out of sight. It is no longer a case of "thesurvival of the fittest," so much as of the survival of "the smartest." But we should not let undeserved defeat bring despair. As the poet says:"Hope springs eternal in the human breast,"and I most sincerely trust there are brighter days in store for you. We feel sure you can have nothing to blame yourself for in these reverses. Everybody who knows Alfred Baker knows that he is the soul of honor, that he holds integrity by the right hand and by the left.I exceedingly regret that my letter must be one of words only, and wish it were possible to ask you to draw upon me for some useful, helpful amount. But that is utterly beyond my power. Letters are not of much value in such a crisis as you are now passing through, and yet we could not keep silent.Pray accept these few words of heartfelt sympathy. Be brave! Be hopeful! Better days will come.Very truly yours,Phillip Smith.299. Informing a Wife of the Illness of Her Husband.B——, September 10, 19—.Dear Mrs. Oldfield:—I have been asked by your husband to write and tell you he has a bad attack of gout and cannot use his right arm; he feels quite helpless, and hopes you will come to him at once. We are taking every care of him, and he has a very good doctor, but of course he would be very glad to have you with him, and although we have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, I hope you will not make any ceremony about staying with us until your husband is quite well again. We shall be very pleased to see you in spite of the unfortunate circumstances which occasion your first visit to us. With best regards from Mr. Densmore and myself,Believe me,Very truly yours,Sylvia Densmore.300. Informing a Gentleman of the Illness of His Wife.S——, August 20, 19—.Dear Mr. Lord:—I am personally unknown to you, but your wife is a great friend of mine, and on calling upon her, this morning, I found that she was seriously ill. Of course, you ought to know of this at once, and I would have sent a telegram, but the doctor said there was no immediate danger, and that you had better be informed of her illness by letter. The landlady of the boarding house where she is staying seems very attentive and kind, still it would certainly be a great comfort to Mrs. Lord if you could bring her sister down with you. In the meantime, I will do all that is possible for her, and am happy to say she has the best advice our place can furnish.Believe me,Yours sincerely,Lina Stepney Gore.301. Informing a Married Daughter of the Illness of Her Mother.T——, November 15, 19—.Dear Mrs. Lester:—I am very sorry to have to inform you that your mother has caught a very severe cold; the doctor seems anxious about her, and says it is an attack of bronchitis. She has been in bed for the last three days, but would not let me write before for fear of unnecessarily alarming you; however, to-day, being no better, she has desired me to do so. The doctor is coming again to-morrow, and should there be a change for the worse I will send you a telegram after he has seen her. She is very restless at night, and cannot be persuaded to take any nourishment beyond a little milk. I came here on a visit last week, with the intention of returning home yesterday, but did not like to leave your mother as she was so ill.With kind remembrances, believe me,Very truly yours,Ida Smythe.302. Inquiring after the Health of a Lady's Husband.R——, April 4, 19—.Dear Mrs. Leverett:—I sent over this afternoon to inquire after Mr. Leverett, and was very sorry indeed to hear he is no better, and that you are very anxious about him; but I trust there may be shortly some improvement in his condition. Pray do not think of answering this note; I merely write to assure you of my sympathy, and to say how happy it would make me to be of use to you in any way; I would of course call at once if you cared to see me.With kindest regards, and very best wishes for your good husband's quick recovery,Believe me,Very sincerely yours,Alva Belden.303. Indirectly Inquiring after the Health of an Invalid.C——, June 10, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Keane:—I heard yesterday for the first time, through some friends who have just returned home from P——, that your sister was seriously ill when they left V——; however, I hope that you have received a better report of her during the last few days, and that there is no further cause for anxiety. When you write will you say everything that is most kind from me, and please tell her I thought it best not to trouble her with a letter until we heard how she was, as we know how trying it is after a severe illness to answer letters of inquiry.Believe me,Yours most sincerely,Ada Young.304. Sympathizing with a Confirmed Invalid.S——, August 27, 19—.Dear Mrs. Silverton:—I was deeply distressed to learn from your niece, Gertrude, of your continued indisposition. Had hoped that by this time you would have been fully restored to health. But the ways of Providence are inscrutable, and all we can do is to bow in submission to the Divine will, assured that these chastenings of affliction are not sent in anger, but are proofs of a loving Father's care. "His paths are in the sea, and His footsteps are in the deep waters." He causeth "all things to work together for good" to those who put their trust in Him. But I need not remind you of these sources of comfort in the day of your trial and sorrow. Your long experience in the Christian life will suggest to you a thousand secret springs of gracious consolation. It is not necessary to assure you how ardently we all desire your speedy return to health. With tender sympathy and many earnest prayersI am, dear Mrs. Silverton,Yours affectionately,Mary Dinsmore.305. From a Daughter, Announcing the Death of Her Mother.D——, May 18, 19—.Dear Aunt Mary:—You must, doubtless, be prepared for the sad news I have to convey, the death of my dearest, most precious mother. It took place yesterday afternoon at four o'clock. Father is too broken-hearted to write himself. We were all with her, and she was conscious to the last. Will you and uncle be able to attend the funeral on Saturday next? Please excuse this short letter, dear aunt, as I am really too upset to write connected sentences.Your sorrowful niece,Lina Black.306. To a Brother-in-Law, Announcing the Death of the Writer's Husband.F——, May 17, 19—.Dear Arthur:—You will have received my telegram telling you that my dear husband was sinking fast. The change for the worse took place quite suddenly last night, and this morning at six o'clock he died. I am too miserable to write more, pray come to me if possible; there is so much to be arranged, and I feel quite unequal to giving the necessary directions for the funeral.Your unhappy sister,Julia C. Dudeny.307. Condoling with a Lady on the Death of Her Husband.P——, July 28, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Lovering:—I was deeply grieved to hear of the death of your husband, and write to offer you my sincerest sympathy. At present, I have no doubt, you can hardly realize your loss, and the blank made in your life must be very terrible to bear; you were so much to each other, and appeared to be so truly happy in your married life. By and by I trust the care of your boy will give you an interest in life, but fear you must be too miserable as yet to take comfort even from this.With kind love, believe me,Your affectionate friend,Harriet Singleton.308. Answer to the Above.R——, August 12, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Singleton:—Thank you ever so much for your touching letter; the loss of my dear husband has left me unspeakably desolate, and I can hardly bear to write of my sorrow as yet. I feel too broken-hearted to do anything but sit down and cry helplessly. Of course I ought to rouse myself, but the knowledge that he has gone fromme forever, and that henceforward I shall be alone, deprived of his loving care, is all that I can realize. By and by my duty toward my child will give me something to live for, but at present I can only mourn, and pray for resignation.Believe me, dear Mrs. Singleton,Yours in great grief,Georgiana Lovering.309. Condoling with a Gentleman on the Death of His Wife.C——, July 10, 19—.Dear Mr. Stevens:—It seems almost cruel to intrude upon you in your great sorrow, but I cannot delay writing how much my husband and myself sympathize with you. We saw the announcement of the death of your dear wife in the "Journal," and were greatly shocked, as we had not even heard of her illness. Pray do not think of answering this letter; I only wanted to say that our hearts are with you, in this severe bereavement, the more sad since your dear little girls are thus deprived at so tender an age of a loving mother's care.With our united kind regards and deep sympathy,Believe me,Very truly yours,Ada B. Chamberlain.310. Answer to the Above.C——, July 17, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Chamberlain:—Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your kind letter of sympathy. My dear wife's death has left me utterly miserable, and her loss to me is irreparable. She was the dearest and best of women, and the void created in my life is, indeed, most terrible to bear. My darling children are scarcely old enough to understand all the misery of the present moment.Remember me kindly to your husband. I remain,Sorrowfully yours,James Stevens.311. Condoling with a Lady on the Death of Her Brother.P——, April 3, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Heywood:—I was deeply concerned to read, in the Paris edition of the "N—— Y—— H——," about the death of your brother. Although you have not seen much of him of late years, still of course his loss must have been a great shock to you. I remember him a handsome, most promising young fellow; how sad that he should thus be cut off in the prime of life! Have you heard any particulars beyond the fact of his death? I suppose his poor young wife will return at once to her own people, as he has left two children. I am truly grieved for you all; and with kind regards,Believe me as ever,Your affectionate old friend,Edgar Saunderson.312. Answer to the Above.O——, May 10, 19—.Dear Mr. Saunderson:—Please accept my most earnest thanks for your kind letter of condolence. My poor brother's unexpected death was indeed a great shock to us. All that we have as yet heard is that he was ill only three days, and that enteric fever was the cause of death; his wife was too overwhelmed with grief to write more fully, but we trust we shall hear from her by next mail. Her father is very anxious that she should come back to us at once with her children. John and I were such great friends up to the time of his marriage, it seems too sad to think that I shall never see him again; we were fond and proud of him too, and his sudden death is inexpressibly terrible to us all.With kind love believe me, dear Mr. Saunderson,Yours affectionately,Mary Lawson Heywood.313. Condoling with a Young Lady on the Death of Her Mother.P——, October 3, 19—.My Dear Margaret:—I was deeply grieved to hear from you of the death of your dear mother, and I can well imagine how greatly you must miss her every hour. You have one consolation, however, that of having been the best of daughters to her, and having given her the most devoted care during her long illness. In such a trial as this, little can be said to comfort you, and time alone will soften your sorrow for the loss of the kindest of mothers. In her death I have lost a dear friend, and indeed all who knew her cannot fail to regret one who was so amiable and unselfish. Have you made any plans as yet, and what does your brother wish you to do?—are you to live with him or with one of your mother's relatives? I shall be much interested to hear what you propose doing, and if you would care to come to us for a quiet visit, do not hesitate to say so. Mr. Standish unites with me in sending you and your brother the expression of our profound sympathy.Believe me, dear Margaret,Your affectionate friend,Helen H. Standish.314. Condoling with a Friend on the Loss of Her Child.D——, Nov. 17, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Jackson:—I never felt so much at a loss to express my feelings. If only I could tell you all that is in my heart! It seems to me that in the presence of your great grief, silence is the only suitable offering. How deeply I sympathize with you no words of mine can tell, and to utter the common words of condolence would serve no end in your case."For common is the common place,And empty chaff well meant."One only hope can comfort you in these sad hours, the hope that somewhere in the "many mansions" of our "Father's house," the daughter who loved you with all the sweetness of her earlyaffection loves you still. The shadows of the valley of death cannot eclipse the light of love.Time, the great healer, will bring balm to your wounded spirit. I have just been reading the poems of Horatius Bonar, and I recall a stanza of his that expresses better than any words of mine could do the calm, divine hope of a reunion of the loved and lost in that fair land that lies beyond the boundaries of time. It runs thus:"Where the faded flower shall blossom,Blossom never more to fade;Where the shaded sky shall brighten,Brighten never more to shade,Where the child shall meet her motherAnd the mother meet her child;And dear families be gathered,That were scattered on the wild——Dear ones, we shall meet and rest,Mid the holy and the blest!"May the hope of a future reunion be your hope, and comfort, and stay.I am, my dear Mrs. Wilson,Ever yours sincerely,Eva Roberts.315. Condoling with a Lady on the Death of a Friend.L——, January 28, 19—.Dearest Emma:—I only accidentally heard last night of the death of poor Mrs. Fredericks; she was a great friend of yours, and you must have been very grieved and upset when the sad news reached you. You were so fond of her that no doubt you felt as if you had lost a near relation, and very naturally, as she was beloved and admired by all who knew her. I do so pity the husband, and the little motherless girl.I hope you are enjoying good health; we have all been suffering from colds lately.Believe me, dear Emma,Your sympathetic friend,Maud Dillingham.316. Answer to the Above.P——, February 1, 19—.My Dear Maud:—Poor Mrs. Fredericks' death has indeed caused a blank amongst her many friends, but none of them will miss her more than I shall, as we were brought up together and were quite like sisters. I cannot tell you how greatly her loss affects me; she was so much to us in every way, such a dear, dear friend. Her husband seems heart-broken, he thinks of going abroad for a few months, and his little daughter is to remain with me during his absence.Excuse my not writing a longer letter to-day, and believe me, dear Maud,Your affectionateEmma Carter.317. Asking a Friend to Attend a Funeral.B——, September 1, 19—.Dear Sir:—I have been requested by Mrs. Judson to inform you that the funeral of her son, the late Mr. Edgar Judson, is to take place at Grace P. E. Church, on Saturday, the 17th instant, at 12 o'clock, and to say that she would be grateful if you could attend the services.Believe me,Yours respectfully,Henry Foster.318. To a Lady, Offering to Attend the Funeral of Her Husband.C——, July 14, 19—.Dear Mrs. Carson:—I was deeply shocked to hear of the death of my valued old friend, Mr. Carson, and beg to offer you my sincere sympathy. I much wish to attend the funeral, unless you desire that only relatives should be present. Perhaps you will kindly let me know your decision on the subject, and when and where the ceremony is to take place.I remain,Very truly yours,Henry B. Wilder.319. Asking a Relative to attend a Funeral.The Grove,S——, April 13, 19—.Dear Uncle James:—By this time you have surely received my telegram containing the sad news of my dear mother's death. My father is quite overcome with grief at the suddenness of the blow that has fallen upon us all, and is therefore unequal to writing himself, but he wishes me to say that the funeral is to take place on Saturday next, the 10th instant, at 2 o'clock, at the North Baptist Church, and he hopes you will attend if possible.With our united best love, I remain, in deep grief,Your affectionate nephew,Herbert Reeves.320. To a Relative, Offering to attend a Funeral.D——, May 19, 19—.Dear Aunt Julia:—I can hardly find words to tell you how deeply we were shocked and grieved to hear of my dear kind uncle's death. You did not say when the funeral is to take place, but please let me know, as I much wish to attend it and to pay this last mark of respect to one for whom we entertained so deep and sincere an affection.Believe me, dear aunt, with much love,Your sorrowful nephew,James Warner.Footnotes:[1]For other Letters of Congratulation, see pp.98,108,150,151,153.CHAPTER IVINVITATIONS AND REGRETS321. Inviting a Married Couple to a Formal Dinner.C——, March 5, 19—.Dear Mrs. Smithson:—Will you and Mr. Smithson give us the pleasure of your company at dinner on Thursday the 12th instant, at a quarter to eight?Very sincerely yours,Ellen Morrow.322. Answer to the Above (Acceptance).O——, March 7, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Morrow:—It will give us much pleasure to accept your kind invitation to dine with you on Thursday, the 12th instant.Very truly yours,Gertrude Smithson.323. Answer to No. 321 (Regrets).O——, March 7, 19—.Dear Mrs. Morrow:—I very much regret that a prior engagement will prevent our having the pleasure of dining with you on Thursday, the 12th instant.Very truly yours,Gertrude Smithson.324. Inviting a Married Couple to an Informal Dinner.N——, December 10, 19—.Dear Mrs. Sunbury:—We should be delighted if you and Mr. Sunbury would dine with us on Wednesday the 18th instant, at 7 o'clock. It will be quite a small party, as we have only asked Mr. and Mrs. Spencer and Mr. and Miss Whitcomb. We trust you will be disengaged and able to give us the pleasure of your company.Very truly yours,Isabella Norris.325. Answer to the Above (Acceptance).N——, December 11, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Norris:—Mr. Sunbury and I have much pleasure in accepting your kind invitation to dine with you on the 18th instant. I was so sorry to miss seeing you on Sunday; we had gone for a long drive to Y——, and did not return till after five. Hoping to be more fortunate the next time you call,Believe me,Very truly yours,Caroline Sunbury.326. Answer to No. 324 (Regrets).N——, December 11, 19—.Dear Mrs. Norris:—We are extremely sorry to be unable to accept your kind invitation to dinner, but we are going up to Washington on the 10th of this month, and shall not return home until after the Holidays, when I hope to come and see you. With many thanks and regretsBelieve me,Very truly yours,Caroline Sunbury.327. Inviting a Gentleman to a Formal Dinner.B——, April 3, 19—.Dear Mr. Dwight:—It would give us great pleasure if you would dine with us on Saturday next, the 10th instant, at 8 o'clock, if disengaged.Very truly yours,Harriet Winthrop Cole.328. Inviting a Gentleman to an Informal Dinner.B——, May 8, 19—.Dear Mr. Dwight:—Will you give us the pleasure of your company quite informally at dinner on Saturday, the 10th instant, at half-past seven? Please excuse this short notice, as we have only just heard you were in town.Very truly yours,Harriet Winthrop Cole.329. Answer to the Above (Acceptance).B——, May 9, 19—.Dear Mrs. Cole:—It will be a great pleasure for me to dine with you on Saturday next, the 10th. I should have called on you before this, but have been so much occupied since my return to town, that I had not a moment to pay any such civilities, to my great personal regret.Very truly yours,Arthur Dwight.330. Answer to No. 328 (Regrets).B——, May 9, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Cole:—I would have been delighted to accept your kind invitation to dine with you on Saturday the 10th, but unfortunately I have promised to be present at a large public dinner on that day.Believe me,Very truly yours,Arthur Dwight.331. Inviting a Lady to a Luncheon.P——, May 3, 19—.My Dear Miss Sanderson:—If disengaged, will you come to lunch with us on Monday next, at 1 o'clock? We shall be very pleased to see you.Believe me,Sincerely yours,Bertha Meade.332. Answer to the Above (Acceptance).P——, May 4, 19—.Dear Mrs. Meade:—Please accept my thanks for your kind invitation to lunch on Saturday next. I have much pleasure in accepting it.Sincerely yours,Mabel Sanderson.333. Answer to No. 331 (Regrets).P——, May 4, 19—.Dear Mrs. Meade:—To my great regret, I shall not be able to come to lunch with you on Monday next, as I have promised to take my nieces to a matinee at the H—— S—— Theater on that day, but shall hope to see you next week, and will take my chance of finding you at home.Believe me,Sincerely yours,Mabel Sanderson.334. Inviting a Gentleman to a Luncheon.P——, May 4, 19—.Dear Mr. Brackett:—Will you come and lunch with us on Monday next, 1 o'clock, if not otherwise engaged? You will meet an old friend of yours, so do come if you can.Very truly yours,Bertha Meade.335. Answer to the Above (Acceptance).P——, May 5, 19—.Dear Mrs. Meade:—I shall be most happy to lunch with you on Monday next. Your husband seems to have had a bad attack; I was glad to see him out again.Very truly yours,Robert D. Brackett.336. Answer to No. 334 (Regrets).P——, May 5, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Meade:—I am sorry I cannot have the pleasure of lunching with you on Monday next, as I shall be particularly engaged all the afternoon with polo practice for Thursday's match, which I hope you will attend. Please give my kind regards to the old friend you mentioned,—I have not an idea who he—or she can be.Very truly yours,Robert D. Brackett.337. Asking a Young Lady to Sing at an Afternoon Tea.C——, February 28, 19—.My Dear Miss Evans:—I enclose a card for an afternoon tea I propose giving on the 10th of next month. We much hope you will be able to come and, should think it so kind if you would entertain us with some of your fine singing; several of my friends have promised their services for the occasion, and I expect we shall have some very good music. Thanking you heartily in advance,Believe me,Sincerely yours,Katherine Daly.338. Answer to the Above.C——, March 1, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Daly:—I shall be delighted to come to your tea on the 10th, and will bring one or two new songs with me which I hope may please you and your friends.Sincerely yours,Margaret Evans.339. Inviting a Lady to a Formal Afternoon Tea.C——, February 28, 19—.Dear Mrs. Russell:—I take great pleasure in sending you a card for an afternoon tea I purpose giving on the 10th of March. I hope you may be able to come, and if you care to bring any friend of yours with you, they will be welcome.Believe me,Sincerely yours,Katherine Daly.340. Answer to the Above.C——, March 1, 19—.Dear Mrs. Daly:—Please accept my thanks for your welcome invitation. I hope to be able to come to your tea next Friday, and will bring my friend Miss Burch with me, as you are kind enough to say I may do so.Sincerely yours,Alberta Russell.341. Inviting a Lady to an Informal Afternoon Tea.M——, January 15, 19—.Dear Mrs. Salter:—A few of our friends are coming to afternoon tea on Friday next, and we hope to have a little good music. Perhaps you may be able to look in for half an hour; if so, I should be very pleased to see you.Believe me,Yours sincerely,Selma White.342. Asking a Gentleman to Recite at an Afternoon Tea.C——, February 20, 19—.Dear Mr. Starling:—I enclose a card for a tea at my house, on March 10th, and hope so much you will be able to come. I wonder whether you would recite something during the afternoon? It would be most good-natured if you allowed yourself to be persuaded to do so.Believe me,Sincerely yours,Katharine Daly.343. Inviting a Lady to an Informal Garden Party.T——, August 10, 19—.Dear Mrs. Duncan:—I should be delighted if you and friends in your house would drive over on Monday next, the 16th instant, any time between three and seven o'clock, to play tennis. I have only asked our immediate neighbors, but expect some good players amongst them.Sincerely yours,Lucy Meredith.344. Answer to the Above.The Cedars,Y——, August 17, 19—.Dear Mrs. Meredith:—It will give us great pleasure to drive over on Monday next to join your tennis party, weather permitting; an occasional shower would not prevent our coming, and only a thorough downpour could keep us away.Sincerely yours,Elizabeth Duncan.345. Inviting a Lady to a Church Sociable.G——, August 6, 19—.My Dear Miss Dinsmore:—I hope you and your sister will be able to come to our church sociable on Wednesday the 18th instant. It is to be held inside and outside the Brick Church, between seven and eleven o'clock, and we hope it will prove a success. There will also be exhibits of needlework by the school children, and the prizes are to be distributed at eight o'clock.Believe me,Very sincerely yours,Arabella White.346. Inviting a Lady to a Picnic.R——, August 4, 19—.My Dear Miss Selwyn:—Mamma requests me to say that she will be very pleased if you and your brother will join our Picnic party on Tuesday next, the 10th instant. We expect about fourteen people, and we are to start from our house in two open carriages at eleven o'clock. I trust you will be able to come, and that we shall have a very pleasant day,Believe me,Sincerely yours,Hattie Wilson.347. Answer to the Above.S——, August 5, 19—.Dear Miss Wilson:—I am so sorry that we are unable to accept your kind invitation for Tuesday next, as we are asked to an afternoon dance at the Belmont Country Club on that day. My brother desires me to convey his regards and many regrets, in which I join.Believe me,Truly yours,Georgiana Selwyn.348. Inviting a Gentleman to a Picnic.R——, August 4, 19—.Dear Mr. Darnley:—Can I persuade you to join our Picnic, on Tuesday next. It is to be held at Marble Hill, but we are all to assemble here at 11 o'clock, and shall number between fourteen and fifteen, including Miss Perkins and Mrs. Henry Shaw, both of whom you know.Believe me,Very truly yours,Ida Wilson.349. Answer to the Above.R——, August 5, 19—.Dear Miss Wilson:—Shall be very glad indeed to join your Picnic Party on Tuesday next, and will be at your house at the hour named in your note.Very truly yours,William Darnley.350. From a Married Lady to Another, Inviting Her to Attend a Theatre Party.C——, April 8, 19—.Dear Mrs. Livermore:—We just had box tickets sent us for Friday evening, to see the New Orleans French Opera Company, which is having such a surprising success at the A——. I hear it is very good. I write to say how pleased we should be if you and Mr. Livermore would join us. We might either meet at the theater or start from here, as most convenient to you.Very truly yours,Ellen Moffat.351. Answer to the Above.C——, April 9, 19—.Dear Mrs. Moffat:—Mr. Livermore and myself should have found it a great pleasure to accept your kind invitation to accompany you to the theater Friday evening, but I have unfortunately been confined to the house for some days with a bad cough, and dare not venture out in the night air.Believe me, with many thanks,Very truly yours,Kate Livermore.352. From a Gentleman Inviting a Young Lady to Attend a Theatre.N——, November 10, 19—.Dear Miss Swinton:—If I remember right you said, last Saturday, that you would like to see the new piece at the H—— S—— Theater. If you allow me, I will endeavor to secure seats for any evening next week on which you may be disengaged, and shall hope to have the pleasure of calling for you.Believe me,Very truly yours,Harold Sampson Day.353. Answer to the Above.N——, November 11, 19—.Dear Mr. Day:—I should much enjoy going to the theater one day next week, and it is very kind of you to offer to invite me. I think Monday would be the most convenient night if it suits you equally well.Believe me in the meantime,Very sincerely yours,Adelina Swinton.354. Inviting a Lady to a Small Evening Party.C——, January 12, 19—.My Dear Miss Bright:—Will you come to our house to-morrow at 9 o'clock and spend the evening with us? We mean to have a game of cards and a little music. I am sorry we cannot ask you to dinner, as we are in the midst of our periodical servant trouble; but I thought perhaps you might like to come to us in this informal way.Very truly yours,Alva Story.355. Inviting a Lady and Her Daughter to a Dance.A——, August 10, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Stanton:—I propose giving a little dance on the 20th, and I hope you will all be able to attend. It is quite an impromptu affair, but I trust your daughters will enjoy it nevertheless. Dancing will commence at half-past nine.Believe me,Very sincerely yours,Gertrude Manners.356. Answer to the Above.A——, August 11, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Manners:—My daughters would have been delighted to accept the invitation to your dance, had we not decided to leave the seashore for Lenox at the end of this week, which will preclude their having the pleasure of doing so, much to their regret. I am sure your dance will be a great success, and I am only too sorry that none of us can be present.Believe me,Very sincerely yours,Lucile Stanton.357. Inviting a Young Lady to a Dance.D——, Jan. 8, 19—.My Dear Miss Lovering:—It would be very charming, indeed, if you and your brother could come to a little dance on the 20th, which mamma is going to give in honor of my birthday. I hope you will be able to accept this invitation. We shall begin dancing soon after nine o'clock.Believe me,Yours affectionately,Maud Byrnes.358. Answer to the Above.D——, January 9, 19—.Dear Miss Byrnes:—Thank you very much for your kind invitation, which my brother and I have much pleasure in accepting.With love, believe me,Yours affectionately,Hattie Lovering.359. Inviting a Gentleman to a Dancing-Party.C——, February 10, 19—.Dear Mr. White:—I take much pleasure in enclosing a card for a dancing-party we intend giving on the 1st of March, as I have just heard that you were at home again. I hope you will be able to come, and if your cousin, Mr. Stevens, is staying at your house shall be very glad if you bring him with you.Sincerely yours,Margaret Winslow.360. Answer to the Above.C——, February 12, 19—.Dear Mrs. Winslow:—I shall certainly come to your dance on the first of next month, when I expect to be back from Florida. My cousin isleaving for Europe on the 20th, so I shall not be able to bring him along. With many thanks for your kind invitation and regrets in the name of Mr. Stevens, believe me,My dear Mrs. Winslow,Yours obediently,Harry Winton White.361. Inviting a Gentleman to a Garden Party.D——, August 14, 19—.Dear Mr. Lloyd:—We are planning a garden party at the Laurels for Thursday evening next, and it would afford us all great pleasure if you could make it convenient to be with us on that occasion. We hope for a goodly company. The Dixons, the Mathers, the Wilsons, the Broadbents, and a host of other friends with whom you are well acquainted, are expected. The reception will be given in honor of Harold's return from his trip to the Rockies. We shall be delighted to have brother home again, and he, no doubt, will be glad to be back among his friends. We hope nothing will prevent your coming. Don't be late. We shall have croquet and tennis, of course. And if the promise of the Almanac holds good, and there should be a full moon that night, the boating will be charming.Yours, very truly,Lina Taylor.362. Answer to the Above.D——, August 15, 19—.My Dear Miss Taylor:—Your kind note of yesterday has just come to hand. I have great pleasure in accepting your invitation to the garden party of Thursday evening next to welcome your pilgrim brother back to his home and friends. I have so many pleasant memories of happy hours spent at the Laurels, that I shall look forward to this occasion with most cheerful anticipations. Moon or no moon, we shall be sure to have a delightful time. You may depend on my early appearance.Believe me, dear Miss Taylor,Yours, very truly,Alfred Lloyd.363. From a Gentleman to a Young Lady Inviting Her to Visit a Theater.T——, October 7, 19—.My Dear Miss Samson:—You will doubtless have noticed by the newspapers that the venerable Joe Jefferson, the great American comedian, is to visit D—— next week and give a round of his inimitable performances. If you have not seen this distinguished actor it would be a great treat to admire one of his world-renowned characters. I should esteem it a favor if you would accompany me any evening next week to the theater to witness one of his wonderful presentations. Monday evening he plays in "Rip Van Winkle," Tuesday evening, Caleb Plummer in "The Cricket on the Hearth," and the balance of the week he appears as Bob Acres in "The Rivals." It would be a pleasure to me to be favored with your company any night that would be most agreeable to you.Believe me, my dear Miss Samson,Yours very truly,Archibald Clay.364. Answer to the Above.T——, October 8, 19—.Dear Mr. Clay:—Pray accept my sincere thanks for your courteous note. I shall be delighted to avail myself of your kind invitation for next week. I have seen Mr. Jefferson in "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Rivals," but if it would suit your convenience just as well I think I should like to see him as Caleb Plummer in "The Cricket on the Hearth," which, I believe, he plays on Tuesday evening.With many thanks for your kind invitation,I remain,Yours sincerely,Maggie Samson.365. From a Little Girl to a Friend, Asking Her to Tea.T——, December 10, 19—.Dear Daisy:—Next Friday is my birthday. Mamma says I may have a little tea party, and I am to write the notes of invitation myself.I hope your mother will let you come. We shall have tea at half-past four, and games and dancing after tea. Trusting that you will be able to attend,I am, your affectionate friend,Alma Clarke.366. Answer to the Above.T——, December 11, 19—.Dear Alma:—Mother says I may come to tea with you next Friday, and I shall be very happy to. I wonder if you will have many birthday presents. Mamma is going to send you one which I think you will like.Your affectionateDaisy Gordon.367. Inviting a Lady to Make the Writer a Visit in Town.58 M—— Avenue,N—— Y——, May 6, 19—.Dear Miss Armisted:—I thought perhaps you would like to come to town for a few days; if so I should be very pleased if you stayed with us from next Monday on, for a week. We will try to go to one or two concerts while you are with us, as I know music is a great treat to you, and my husband will perhaps take us to the theater one night. In any case, we shall go to a Saturday matinee.Hoping to hear that I may expect you,I remain, with love,Affectionately yours,Martha Williams.368. Answer to the Above.Cortlandt, N. Y., May 9, 19—.Dear Mrs. Williams:—Many, many thanks for your kind invitation to visit you next week. I am only too pleased to accept it, and hope to arrive at your house on Monday next, by the 5:30 train. I am looking forward most delightfully to my little stay in your lovely home. With renewed thanks,Believe me,Affectionately yours,Eleanor Armisted.369. Asking a Lady to pay the Writer a Country Visit.S——, July 10, 19—.Dear Miss Deering:—I was just thinking, last night, whether you would not feel inclined for a little country air; if so, perhaps you would like to run down to us for a few days. We are only three hours and a half from town. If you are able to come and will let me know what day to expect you, I would tell you the best train to take, and send the pony-carriage to meet you. I need not say that your visit will be a great pleasure to us all.Hoping that your answer will be just "yes,"Believe me,Sincerely yours,Carolina Madden.370. Answer to the Above.N——, July 12, 19—.Dear Mrs. Madden:—I should have been delighted to accept your kind invitation to stay with you for a few days, but I have arranged to go down to Newport on Friday next, with my sister-in-law, which will, I am sorry to say, prevent my coming to you just now. Everybody says your part of the country is at its fairest this month, and it should have been so pleasant to have paid you a little visit, could it have been so arranged.Believe me, with many heartfelt thanks,Very truly yours,Ida Deering.371. Inviting a Lady to pay the Writer a Visit at the Seashore.O—— W——, August 10, 19—.Dear Miss Malvern:—It is now three weeks since we arrived here, and we have enjoyed the change from town very much; the air is so bracing. Would you care to come down and spend a week with us? If so,it would give us much pleasure to see you. We shall be here at least a month longer, as far as I know at present. I can offer you a very comfortable room, and we have a fine view of the sea from our windows. Please remember me to your mother, and believe me,Sincerely yours,Gertrude Read.372. Answer to the Above.P——, August 12, 19—.Dear Mrs. Read:—How very kind of you to ask me to come and stay at your lovely place in O—— W——! I should like nothing better than to accept your tempting invitation; but am sorry to say at present I cannot leave home, as I have an invalid aunt requiring all my care. She has come up to town to consult a specialist. However, should you renew your invitation in about ten days' time, I might safely hope to have the pleasure of accepting it. With many thanks for thinking of me,Believe me,Very truly yours,Ella Malvern.373. Postponing a Dinner Party on Account of a Death.L——, May 25, 19—.My Dear Mrs. Darlington:—I am very sorry to say we cannot have the pleasure of seeing you and Mr. Darlington at dinner to-morrow evening, on account of the death of my husband's sister, the sad news of which only reached us this morning.With many regrets,Believe me,Very sincerely yours,Emily Grace.374. Postponing a Dance.C——, February 14, 19—.Dear Mr. Darwin:—Circumstances over which I have absolutely no control oblige me to postpone my dance from the 2d to the 10th of February. I therefore renew my invitation for that date, and trust you will be able to accept it.Sincerely yours,Eldrida Dunscombe.375. Postponing a Friend's Visit on Account of Illness in the Family.M——, August 10, 19—.Dear Mrs. West:—To my deep regret, I have to ask you to postpone your visit to us for the present; but my little girl has been very ill the last two days, and this morning the doctor tells me that she has a slight attack of the measles.It is very unfortunate, as we were looking forward to your visit with so much pleasurable anticipation. However, I trust it is only a deferred enjoyment, and that we may see you here before long.Believe me, dear Mrs. West,Very sincerely yours,Emma Conover.376. From a Gentleman, Excusing Himself from Keeping a Dinner Engagement.N——, January 20, 19—.Dear Mrs. Hunt:—I sincerely trust you will not pay yourself so bad a compliment as to imagine for a moment I am neglecting you when I say that I am prevented, to my great disappointment, from having the pleasure of dining with you this evening. I have caught a severe cold which obliges me to stay in-doors and take care of myself; my doctor even forbids my going to the office for an hour, so you will understand from this how genuine are these regrets. Am ever so sorry to be absent from such a pleasant party.Believe me,Very truly yours,Barton D. Lowell.377. From a Lady, Excusing Herself from Keeping a Dinner Engagement.
"DON'T FORGET TO WRITE OFTEN."
"DON'T FORGET TO WRITE OFTEN."
D——, March 14, 19—.
My Dear Old Friend:—
I have not forgotten that the 16th of March is the anniversary of your birth. I should not like the day to pass without assuring you of my deep and sincere interest in all that concerns you. Our paths lie widely apart, but just such occasions serve as happy opportunities for the interchange of kindly feeling, and the revival of many happy memories. I hope this brief note will reach you on the 16th, also a little token of affectionate regard which I have wrought with my own hand. Pray accept it, not for its own value, but for the sake of the thoughts it represents.
Faithfully yours,Elvira Jones.
L——, August 17, 19—.
My Esteemed Old Friend:—
We were exceedingly pained to learn from the newspapers of yesterday that, after a long struggle, you have been compelled to yield to the resistless pressure of these hard times. Success in business is often a mere accident and merits little praise, and in like manner, failure in business is often the sad and only return for a long and patient fight against tremendous odds. In these days of merciless competition, the spirit of fair trading seems to be almost buried out of sight. It is no longer a case of "thesurvival of the fittest," so much as of the survival of "the smartest." But we should not let undeserved defeat bring despair. As the poet says:
"Hope springs eternal in the human breast,"
and I most sincerely trust there are brighter days in store for you. We feel sure you can have nothing to blame yourself for in these reverses. Everybody who knows Alfred Baker knows that he is the soul of honor, that he holds integrity by the right hand and by the left.
I exceedingly regret that my letter must be one of words only, and wish it were possible to ask you to draw upon me for some useful, helpful amount. But that is utterly beyond my power. Letters are not of much value in such a crisis as you are now passing through, and yet we could not keep silent.
Pray accept these few words of heartfelt sympathy. Be brave! Be hopeful! Better days will come.
Very truly yours,Phillip Smith.
B——, September 10, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Oldfield:—
I have been asked by your husband to write and tell you he has a bad attack of gout and cannot use his right arm; he feels quite helpless, and hopes you will come to him at once. We are taking every care of him, and he has a very good doctor, but of course he would be very glad to have you with him, and although we have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, I hope you will not make any ceremony about staying with us until your husband is quite well again. We shall be very pleased to see you in spite of the unfortunate circumstances which occasion your first visit to us. With best regards from Mr. Densmore and myself,
Believe me,Very truly yours,Sylvia Densmore.
S——, August 20, 19—.
Dear Mr. Lord:—
I am personally unknown to you, but your wife is a great friend of mine, and on calling upon her, this morning, I found that she was seriously ill. Of course, you ought to know of this at once, and I would have sent a telegram, but the doctor said there was no immediate danger, and that you had better be informed of her illness by letter. The landlady of the boarding house where she is staying seems very attentive and kind, still it would certainly be a great comfort to Mrs. Lord if you could bring her sister down with you. In the meantime, I will do all that is possible for her, and am happy to say she has the best advice our place can furnish.
Believe me,Yours sincerely,Lina Stepney Gore.
T——, November 15, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Lester:—
I am very sorry to have to inform you that your mother has caught a very severe cold; the doctor seems anxious about her, and says it is an attack of bronchitis. She has been in bed for the last three days, but would not let me write before for fear of unnecessarily alarming you; however, to-day, being no better, she has desired me to do so. The doctor is coming again to-morrow, and should there be a change for the worse I will send you a telegram after he has seen her. She is very restless at night, and cannot be persuaded to take any nourishment beyond a little milk. I came here on a visit last week, with the intention of returning home yesterday, but did not like to leave your mother as she was so ill.
With kind remembrances, believe me,
Very truly yours,Ida Smythe.
R——, April 4, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Leverett:—
I sent over this afternoon to inquire after Mr. Leverett, and was very sorry indeed to hear he is no better, and that you are very anxious about him; but I trust there may be shortly some improvement in his condition. Pray do not think of answering this note; I merely write to assure you of my sympathy, and to say how happy it would make me to be of use to you in any way; I would of course call at once if you cared to see me.
With kindest regards, and very best wishes for your good husband's quick recovery,
Believe me,Very sincerely yours,Alva Belden.
C——, June 10, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Keane:—
I heard yesterday for the first time, through some friends who have just returned home from P——, that your sister was seriously ill when they left V——; however, I hope that you have received a better report of her during the last few days, and that there is no further cause for anxiety. When you write will you say everything that is most kind from me, and please tell her I thought it best not to trouble her with a letter until we heard how she was, as we know how trying it is after a severe illness to answer letters of inquiry.
Believe me,Yours most sincerely,Ada Young.
S——, August 27, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Silverton:—
I was deeply distressed to learn from your niece, Gertrude, of your continued indisposition. Had hoped that by this time you would have been fully restored to health. But the ways of Providence are inscrutable, and all we can do is to bow in submission to the Divine will, assured that these chastenings of affliction are not sent in anger, but are proofs of a loving Father's care. "His paths are in the sea, and His footsteps are in the deep waters." He causeth "all things to work together for good" to those who put their trust in Him. But I need not remind you of these sources of comfort in the day of your trial and sorrow. Your long experience in the Christian life will suggest to you a thousand secret springs of gracious consolation. It is not necessary to assure you how ardently we all desire your speedy return to health. With tender sympathy and many earnest prayers
I am, dear Mrs. Silverton,Yours affectionately,Mary Dinsmore.
D——, May 18, 19—.
Dear Aunt Mary:—
You must, doubtless, be prepared for the sad news I have to convey, the death of my dearest, most precious mother. It took place yesterday afternoon at four o'clock. Father is too broken-hearted to write himself. We were all with her, and she was conscious to the last. Will you and uncle be able to attend the funeral on Saturday next? Please excuse this short letter, dear aunt, as I am really too upset to write connected sentences.
Your sorrowful niece,Lina Black.
F——, May 17, 19—.
Dear Arthur:—
You will have received my telegram telling you that my dear husband was sinking fast. The change for the worse took place quite suddenly last night, and this morning at six o'clock he died. I am too miserable to write more, pray come to me if possible; there is so much to be arranged, and I feel quite unequal to giving the necessary directions for the funeral.
Your unhappy sister,Julia C. Dudeny.
P——, July 28, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Lovering:—
I was deeply grieved to hear of the death of your husband, and write to offer you my sincerest sympathy. At present, I have no doubt, you can hardly realize your loss, and the blank made in your life must be very terrible to bear; you were so much to each other, and appeared to be so truly happy in your married life. By and by I trust the care of your boy will give you an interest in life, but fear you must be too miserable as yet to take comfort even from this.
With kind love, believe me,Your affectionate friend,Harriet Singleton.
R——, August 12, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Singleton:—
Thank you ever so much for your touching letter; the loss of my dear husband has left me unspeakably desolate, and I can hardly bear to write of my sorrow as yet. I feel too broken-hearted to do anything but sit down and cry helplessly. Of course I ought to rouse myself, but the knowledge that he has gone fromme forever, and that henceforward I shall be alone, deprived of his loving care, is all that I can realize. By and by my duty toward my child will give me something to live for, but at present I can only mourn, and pray for resignation.
Believe me, dear Mrs. Singleton,Yours in great grief,Georgiana Lovering.
C——, July 10, 19—.
Dear Mr. Stevens:—
It seems almost cruel to intrude upon you in your great sorrow, but I cannot delay writing how much my husband and myself sympathize with you. We saw the announcement of the death of your dear wife in the "Journal," and were greatly shocked, as we had not even heard of her illness. Pray do not think of answering this letter; I only wanted to say that our hearts are with you, in this severe bereavement, the more sad since your dear little girls are thus deprived at so tender an age of a loving mother's care.
With our united kind regards and deep sympathy,
Believe me,Very truly yours,Ada B. Chamberlain.
C——, July 17, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Chamberlain:—
Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your kind letter of sympathy. My dear wife's death has left me utterly miserable, and her loss to me is irreparable. She was the dearest and best of women, and the void created in my life is, indeed, most terrible to bear. My darling children are scarcely old enough to understand all the misery of the present moment.
Remember me kindly to your husband. I remain,
Sorrowfully yours,James Stevens.
P——, April 3, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Heywood:—
I was deeply concerned to read, in the Paris edition of the "N—— Y—— H——," about the death of your brother. Although you have not seen much of him of late years, still of course his loss must have been a great shock to you. I remember him a handsome, most promising young fellow; how sad that he should thus be cut off in the prime of life! Have you heard any particulars beyond the fact of his death? I suppose his poor young wife will return at once to her own people, as he has left two children. I am truly grieved for you all; and with kind regards,
Believe me as ever,Your affectionate old friend,Edgar Saunderson.
O——, May 10, 19—.
Dear Mr. Saunderson:—
Please accept my most earnest thanks for your kind letter of condolence. My poor brother's unexpected death was indeed a great shock to us. All that we have as yet heard is that he was ill only three days, and that enteric fever was the cause of death; his wife was too overwhelmed with grief to write more fully, but we trust we shall hear from her by next mail. Her father is very anxious that she should come back to us at once with her children. John and I were such great friends up to the time of his marriage, it seems too sad to think that I shall never see him again; we were fond and proud of him too, and his sudden death is inexpressibly terrible to us all.
With kind love believe me, dear Mr. Saunderson,
Yours affectionately,Mary Lawson Heywood.
P——, October 3, 19—.
My Dear Margaret:—
I was deeply grieved to hear from you of the death of your dear mother, and I can well imagine how greatly you must miss her every hour. You have one consolation, however, that of having been the best of daughters to her, and having given her the most devoted care during her long illness. In such a trial as this, little can be said to comfort you, and time alone will soften your sorrow for the loss of the kindest of mothers. In her death I have lost a dear friend, and indeed all who knew her cannot fail to regret one who was so amiable and unselfish. Have you made any plans as yet, and what does your brother wish you to do?—are you to live with him or with one of your mother's relatives? I shall be much interested to hear what you propose doing, and if you would care to come to us for a quiet visit, do not hesitate to say so. Mr. Standish unites with me in sending you and your brother the expression of our profound sympathy.
Believe me, dear Margaret,Your affectionate friend,Helen H. Standish.
D——, Nov. 17, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Jackson:—
I never felt so much at a loss to express my feelings. If only I could tell you all that is in my heart! It seems to me that in the presence of your great grief, silence is the only suitable offering. How deeply I sympathize with you no words of mine can tell, and to utter the common words of condolence would serve no end in your case.
"For common is the common place,And empty chaff well meant."
"For common is the common place,And empty chaff well meant."
"For common is the common place,And empty chaff well meant."
"For common is the common place,
And empty chaff well meant."
One only hope can comfort you in these sad hours, the hope that somewhere in the "many mansions" of our "Father's house," the daughter who loved you with all the sweetness of her earlyaffection loves you still. The shadows of the valley of death cannot eclipse the light of love.
Time, the great healer, will bring balm to your wounded spirit. I have just been reading the poems of Horatius Bonar, and I recall a stanza of his that expresses better than any words of mine could do the calm, divine hope of a reunion of the loved and lost in that fair land that lies beyond the boundaries of time. It runs thus:
"Where the faded flower shall blossom,Blossom never more to fade;Where the shaded sky shall brighten,Brighten never more to shade,Where the child shall meet her motherAnd the mother meet her child;And dear families be gathered,That were scattered on the wild——Dear ones, we shall meet and rest,Mid the holy and the blest!"
"Where the faded flower shall blossom,Blossom never more to fade;Where the shaded sky shall brighten,Brighten never more to shade,Where the child shall meet her motherAnd the mother meet her child;And dear families be gathered,That were scattered on the wild——Dear ones, we shall meet and rest,Mid the holy and the blest!"
"Where the faded flower shall blossom,Blossom never more to fade;Where the shaded sky shall brighten,Brighten never more to shade,Where the child shall meet her motherAnd the mother meet her child;And dear families be gathered,That were scattered on the wild——Dear ones, we shall meet and rest,Mid the holy and the blest!"
"Where the faded flower shall blossom,
Blossom never more to fade;
Where the shaded sky shall brighten,
Brighten never more to shade,
Where the child shall meet her mother
And the mother meet her child;
And dear families be gathered,
That were scattered on the wild——
Dear ones, we shall meet and rest,
Mid the holy and the blest!"
May the hope of a future reunion be your hope, and comfort, and stay.
I am, my dear Mrs. Wilson,Ever yours sincerely,Eva Roberts.
L——, January 28, 19—.
Dearest Emma:—
I only accidentally heard last night of the death of poor Mrs. Fredericks; she was a great friend of yours, and you must have been very grieved and upset when the sad news reached you. You were so fond of her that no doubt you felt as if you had lost a near relation, and very naturally, as she was beloved and admired by all who knew her. I do so pity the husband, and the little motherless girl.
I hope you are enjoying good health; we have all been suffering from colds lately.
Believe me, dear Emma,Your sympathetic friend,Maud Dillingham.
P——, February 1, 19—.
My Dear Maud:—
Poor Mrs. Fredericks' death has indeed caused a blank amongst her many friends, but none of them will miss her more than I shall, as we were brought up together and were quite like sisters. I cannot tell you how greatly her loss affects me; she was so much to us in every way, such a dear, dear friend. Her husband seems heart-broken, he thinks of going abroad for a few months, and his little daughter is to remain with me during his absence.
Excuse my not writing a longer letter to-day, and believe me, dear Maud,
Your affectionateEmma Carter.
B——, September 1, 19—.
Dear Sir:—
I have been requested by Mrs. Judson to inform you that the funeral of her son, the late Mr. Edgar Judson, is to take place at Grace P. E. Church, on Saturday, the 17th instant, at 12 o'clock, and to say that she would be grateful if you could attend the services.
Believe me,Yours respectfully,Henry Foster.
C——, July 14, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Carson:—
I was deeply shocked to hear of the death of my valued old friend, Mr. Carson, and beg to offer you my sincere sympathy. I much wish to attend the funeral, unless you desire that only relatives should be present. Perhaps you will kindly let me know your decision on the subject, and when and where the ceremony is to take place.
I remain,Very truly yours,Henry B. Wilder.
The Grove,S——, April 13, 19—.
Dear Uncle James:—
By this time you have surely received my telegram containing the sad news of my dear mother's death. My father is quite overcome with grief at the suddenness of the blow that has fallen upon us all, and is therefore unequal to writing himself, but he wishes me to say that the funeral is to take place on Saturday next, the 10th instant, at 2 o'clock, at the North Baptist Church, and he hopes you will attend if possible.
With our united best love, I remain, in deep grief,
Your affectionate nephew,Herbert Reeves.
D——, May 19, 19—.
Dear Aunt Julia:—
I can hardly find words to tell you how deeply we were shocked and grieved to hear of my dear kind uncle's death. You did not say when the funeral is to take place, but please let me know, as I much wish to attend it and to pay this last mark of respect to one for whom we entertained so deep and sincere an affection.
Believe me, dear aunt, with much love,
Your sorrowful nephew,James Warner.
Footnotes:[1]For other Letters of Congratulation, see pp.98,108,150,151,153.
[1]For other Letters of Congratulation, see pp.98,108,150,151,153.
[1]For other Letters of Congratulation, see pp.98,108,150,151,153.
C——, March 5, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Smithson:—
Will you and Mr. Smithson give us the pleasure of your company at dinner on Thursday the 12th instant, at a quarter to eight?
Very sincerely yours,Ellen Morrow.
O——, March 7, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Morrow:—
It will give us much pleasure to accept your kind invitation to dine with you on Thursday, the 12th instant.
Very truly yours,Gertrude Smithson.
O——, March 7, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Morrow:—
I very much regret that a prior engagement will prevent our having the pleasure of dining with you on Thursday, the 12th instant.
Very truly yours,Gertrude Smithson.
N——, December 10, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Sunbury:—
We should be delighted if you and Mr. Sunbury would dine with us on Wednesday the 18th instant, at 7 o'clock. It will be quite a small party, as we have only asked Mr. and Mrs. Spencer and Mr. and Miss Whitcomb. We trust you will be disengaged and able to give us the pleasure of your company.
Very truly yours,Isabella Norris.
N——, December 11, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Norris:—
Mr. Sunbury and I have much pleasure in accepting your kind invitation to dine with you on the 18th instant. I was so sorry to miss seeing you on Sunday; we had gone for a long drive to Y——, and did not return till after five. Hoping to be more fortunate the next time you call,
Believe me,Very truly yours,Caroline Sunbury.
N——, December 11, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Norris:—
We are extremely sorry to be unable to accept your kind invitation to dinner, but we are going up to Washington on the 10th of this month, and shall not return home until after the Holidays, when I hope to come and see you. With many thanks and regrets
Believe me,Very truly yours,Caroline Sunbury.
B——, April 3, 19—.
Dear Mr. Dwight:—
It would give us great pleasure if you would dine with us on Saturday next, the 10th instant, at 8 o'clock, if disengaged.
Very truly yours,Harriet Winthrop Cole.
B——, May 8, 19—.
Dear Mr. Dwight:—
Will you give us the pleasure of your company quite informally at dinner on Saturday, the 10th instant, at half-past seven? Please excuse this short notice, as we have only just heard you were in town.
Very truly yours,Harriet Winthrop Cole.
B——, May 9, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Cole:—
It will be a great pleasure for me to dine with you on Saturday next, the 10th. I should have called on you before this, but have been so much occupied since my return to town, that I had not a moment to pay any such civilities, to my great personal regret.
Very truly yours,Arthur Dwight.
B——, May 9, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Cole:—
I would have been delighted to accept your kind invitation to dine with you on Saturday the 10th, but unfortunately I have promised to be present at a large public dinner on that day.
Believe me,Very truly yours,Arthur Dwight.
P——, May 3, 19—.
My Dear Miss Sanderson:—
If disengaged, will you come to lunch with us on Monday next, at 1 o'clock? We shall be very pleased to see you.
Believe me,Sincerely yours,Bertha Meade.
P——, May 4, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Meade:—
Please accept my thanks for your kind invitation to lunch on Saturday next. I have much pleasure in accepting it.
Sincerely yours,Mabel Sanderson.
P——, May 4, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Meade:—
To my great regret, I shall not be able to come to lunch with you on Monday next, as I have promised to take my nieces to a matinee at the H—— S—— Theater on that day, but shall hope to see you next week, and will take my chance of finding you at home.
Believe me,Sincerely yours,Mabel Sanderson.
P——, May 4, 19—.
Dear Mr. Brackett:—
Will you come and lunch with us on Monday next, 1 o'clock, if not otherwise engaged? You will meet an old friend of yours, so do come if you can.
Very truly yours,Bertha Meade.
P——, May 5, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Meade:—
I shall be most happy to lunch with you on Monday next. Your husband seems to have had a bad attack; I was glad to see him out again.
Very truly yours,Robert D. Brackett.
P——, May 5, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Meade:—
I am sorry I cannot have the pleasure of lunching with you on Monday next, as I shall be particularly engaged all the afternoon with polo practice for Thursday's match, which I hope you will attend. Please give my kind regards to the old friend you mentioned,—I have not an idea who he—or she can be.
Very truly yours,Robert D. Brackett.
C——, February 28, 19—.
My Dear Miss Evans:—
I enclose a card for an afternoon tea I propose giving on the 10th of next month. We much hope you will be able to come and, should think it so kind if you would entertain us with some of your fine singing; several of my friends have promised their services for the occasion, and I expect we shall have some very good music. Thanking you heartily in advance,
Believe me,Sincerely yours,Katherine Daly.
C——, March 1, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Daly:—
I shall be delighted to come to your tea on the 10th, and will bring one or two new songs with me which I hope may please you and your friends.
Sincerely yours,Margaret Evans.
C——, February 28, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Russell:—
I take great pleasure in sending you a card for an afternoon tea I purpose giving on the 10th of March. I hope you may be able to come, and if you care to bring any friend of yours with you, they will be welcome.
Believe me,Sincerely yours,Katherine Daly.
C——, March 1, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Daly:—
Please accept my thanks for your welcome invitation. I hope to be able to come to your tea next Friday, and will bring my friend Miss Burch with me, as you are kind enough to say I may do so.
Sincerely yours,Alberta Russell.
M——, January 15, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Salter:—
A few of our friends are coming to afternoon tea on Friday next, and we hope to have a little good music. Perhaps you may be able to look in for half an hour; if so, I should be very pleased to see you.
Believe me,Yours sincerely,Selma White.
C——, February 20, 19—.
Dear Mr. Starling:—
I enclose a card for a tea at my house, on March 10th, and hope so much you will be able to come. I wonder whether you would recite something during the afternoon? It would be most good-natured if you allowed yourself to be persuaded to do so.
Believe me,Sincerely yours,Katharine Daly.
T——, August 10, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Duncan:—
I should be delighted if you and friends in your house would drive over on Monday next, the 16th instant, any time between three and seven o'clock, to play tennis. I have only asked our immediate neighbors, but expect some good players amongst them.
Sincerely yours,Lucy Meredith.
The Cedars,Y——, August 17, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Meredith:—
It will give us great pleasure to drive over on Monday next to join your tennis party, weather permitting; an occasional shower would not prevent our coming, and only a thorough downpour could keep us away.
Sincerely yours,Elizabeth Duncan.
G——, August 6, 19—.
My Dear Miss Dinsmore:—
I hope you and your sister will be able to come to our church sociable on Wednesday the 18th instant. It is to be held inside and outside the Brick Church, between seven and eleven o'clock, and we hope it will prove a success. There will also be exhibits of needlework by the school children, and the prizes are to be distributed at eight o'clock.
Believe me,Very sincerely yours,Arabella White.
R——, August 4, 19—.
My Dear Miss Selwyn:—
Mamma requests me to say that she will be very pleased if you and your brother will join our Picnic party on Tuesday next, the 10th instant. We expect about fourteen people, and we are to start from our house in two open carriages at eleven o'clock. I trust you will be able to come, and that we shall have a very pleasant day,
Believe me,Sincerely yours,Hattie Wilson.
S——, August 5, 19—.
Dear Miss Wilson:—
I am so sorry that we are unable to accept your kind invitation for Tuesday next, as we are asked to an afternoon dance at the Belmont Country Club on that day. My brother desires me to convey his regards and many regrets, in which I join.
Believe me,Truly yours,Georgiana Selwyn.
R——, August 4, 19—.
Dear Mr. Darnley:—
Can I persuade you to join our Picnic, on Tuesday next. It is to be held at Marble Hill, but we are all to assemble here at 11 o'clock, and shall number between fourteen and fifteen, including Miss Perkins and Mrs. Henry Shaw, both of whom you know.
Believe me,Very truly yours,Ida Wilson.
R——, August 5, 19—.
Dear Miss Wilson:—
Shall be very glad indeed to join your Picnic Party on Tuesday next, and will be at your house at the hour named in your note.
Very truly yours,William Darnley.
C——, April 8, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Livermore:—
We just had box tickets sent us for Friday evening, to see the New Orleans French Opera Company, which is having such a surprising success at the A——. I hear it is very good. I write to say how pleased we should be if you and Mr. Livermore would join us. We might either meet at the theater or start from here, as most convenient to you.
Very truly yours,Ellen Moffat.
C——, April 9, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Moffat:—
Mr. Livermore and myself should have found it a great pleasure to accept your kind invitation to accompany you to the theater Friday evening, but I have unfortunately been confined to the house for some days with a bad cough, and dare not venture out in the night air.
Believe me, with many thanks,Very truly yours,Kate Livermore.
N——, November 10, 19—.
Dear Miss Swinton:—
If I remember right you said, last Saturday, that you would like to see the new piece at the H—— S—— Theater. If you allow me, I will endeavor to secure seats for any evening next week on which you may be disengaged, and shall hope to have the pleasure of calling for you.
Believe me,Very truly yours,Harold Sampson Day.
N——, November 11, 19—.
Dear Mr. Day:—
I should much enjoy going to the theater one day next week, and it is very kind of you to offer to invite me. I think Monday would be the most convenient night if it suits you equally well.
Believe me in the meantime,Very sincerely yours,Adelina Swinton.
C——, January 12, 19—.
My Dear Miss Bright:—
Will you come to our house to-morrow at 9 o'clock and spend the evening with us? We mean to have a game of cards and a little music. I am sorry we cannot ask you to dinner, as we are in the midst of our periodical servant trouble; but I thought perhaps you might like to come to us in this informal way.
Very truly yours,Alva Story.
A——, August 10, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Stanton:—
I propose giving a little dance on the 20th, and I hope you will all be able to attend. It is quite an impromptu affair, but I trust your daughters will enjoy it nevertheless. Dancing will commence at half-past nine.
Believe me,Very sincerely yours,Gertrude Manners.
A——, August 11, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Manners:—
My daughters would have been delighted to accept the invitation to your dance, had we not decided to leave the seashore for Lenox at the end of this week, which will preclude their having the pleasure of doing so, much to their regret. I am sure your dance will be a great success, and I am only too sorry that none of us can be present.
Believe me,Very sincerely yours,Lucile Stanton.
D——, Jan. 8, 19—.
My Dear Miss Lovering:—
It would be very charming, indeed, if you and your brother could come to a little dance on the 20th, which mamma is going to give in honor of my birthday. I hope you will be able to accept this invitation. We shall begin dancing soon after nine o'clock.
Believe me,Yours affectionately,Maud Byrnes.
D——, January 9, 19—.
Dear Miss Byrnes:—
Thank you very much for your kind invitation, which my brother and I have much pleasure in accepting.
With love, believe me,Yours affectionately,Hattie Lovering.
C——, February 10, 19—.
Dear Mr. White:—
I take much pleasure in enclosing a card for a dancing-party we intend giving on the 1st of March, as I have just heard that you were at home again. I hope you will be able to come, and if your cousin, Mr. Stevens, is staying at your house shall be very glad if you bring him with you.
Sincerely yours,Margaret Winslow.
C——, February 12, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Winslow:—
I shall certainly come to your dance on the first of next month, when I expect to be back from Florida. My cousin isleaving for Europe on the 20th, so I shall not be able to bring him along. With many thanks for your kind invitation and regrets in the name of Mr. Stevens, believe me,
My dear Mrs. Winslow,Yours obediently,Harry Winton White.
D——, August 14, 19—.
Dear Mr. Lloyd:—
We are planning a garden party at the Laurels for Thursday evening next, and it would afford us all great pleasure if you could make it convenient to be with us on that occasion. We hope for a goodly company. The Dixons, the Mathers, the Wilsons, the Broadbents, and a host of other friends with whom you are well acquainted, are expected. The reception will be given in honor of Harold's return from his trip to the Rockies. We shall be delighted to have brother home again, and he, no doubt, will be glad to be back among his friends. We hope nothing will prevent your coming. Don't be late. We shall have croquet and tennis, of course. And if the promise of the Almanac holds good, and there should be a full moon that night, the boating will be charming.
Yours, very truly,Lina Taylor.
D——, August 15, 19—.
My Dear Miss Taylor:—
Your kind note of yesterday has just come to hand. I have great pleasure in accepting your invitation to the garden party of Thursday evening next to welcome your pilgrim brother back to his home and friends. I have so many pleasant memories of happy hours spent at the Laurels, that I shall look forward to this occasion with most cheerful anticipations. Moon or no moon, we shall be sure to have a delightful time. You may depend on my early appearance.
Believe me, dear Miss Taylor,Yours, very truly,Alfred Lloyd.
T——, October 7, 19—.
My Dear Miss Samson:—
You will doubtless have noticed by the newspapers that the venerable Joe Jefferson, the great American comedian, is to visit D—— next week and give a round of his inimitable performances. If you have not seen this distinguished actor it would be a great treat to admire one of his world-renowned characters. I should esteem it a favor if you would accompany me any evening next week to the theater to witness one of his wonderful presentations. Monday evening he plays in "Rip Van Winkle," Tuesday evening, Caleb Plummer in "The Cricket on the Hearth," and the balance of the week he appears as Bob Acres in "The Rivals." It would be a pleasure to me to be favored with your company any night that would be most agreeable to you.
Believe me, my dear Miss Samson,Yours very truly,Archibald Clay.
T——, October 8, 19—.
Dear Mr. Clay:—
Pray accept my sincere thanks for your courteous note. I shall be delighted to avail myself of your kind invitation for next week. I have seen Mr. Jefferson in "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Rivals," but if it would suit your convenience just as well I think I should like to see him as Caleb Plummer in "The Cricket on the Hearth," which, I believe, he plays on Tuesday evening.
With many thanks for your kind invitation,
I remain,Yours sincerely,Maggie Samson.
T——, December 10, 19—.
Dear Daisy:—
Next Friday is my birthday. Mamma says I may have a little tea party, and I am to write the notes of invitation myself.I hope your mother will let you come. We shall have tea at half-past four, and games and dancing after tea. Trusting that you will be able to attend,
I am, your affectionate friend,Alma Clarke.
T——, December 11, 19—.
Dear Alma:—
Mother says I may come to tea with you next Friday, and I shall be very happy to. I wonder if you will have many birthday presents. Mamma is going to send you one which I think you will like.
Your affectionateDaisy Gordon.
58 M—— Avenue,N—— Y——, May 6, 19—.
Dear Miss Armisted:—
I thought perhaps you would like to come to town for a few days; if so I should be very pleased if you stayed with us from next Monday on, for a week. We will try to go to one or two concerts while you are with us, as I know music is a great treat to you, and my husband will perhaps take us to the theater one night. In any case, we shall go to a Saturday matinee.
Hoping to hear that I may expect you,
I remain, with love,Affectionately yours,Martha Williams.
Cortlandt, N. Y., May 9, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Williams:—
Many, many thanks for your kind invitation to visit you next week. I am only too pleased to accept it, and hope to arrive at your house on Monday next, by the 5:30 train. I am looking forward most delightfully to my little stay in your lovely home. With renewed thanks,
Believe me,Affectionately yours,Eleanor Armisted.
S——, July 10, 19—.
Dear Miss Deering:—
I was just thinking, last night, whether you would not feel inclined for a little country air; if so, perhaps you would like to run down to us for a few days. We are only three hours and a half from town. If you are able to come and will let me know what day to expect you, I would tell you the best train to take, and send the pony-carriage to meet you. I need not say that your visit will be a great pleasure to us all.
Hoping that your answer will be just "yes,"
Believe me,Sincerely yours,Carolina Madden.
N——, July 12, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Madden:—
I should have been delighted to accept your kind invitation to stay with you for a few days, but I have arranged to go down to Newport on Friday next, with my sister-in-law, which will, I am sorry to say, prevent my coming to you just now. Everybody says your part of the country is at its fairest this month, and it should have been so pleasant to have paid you a little visit, could it have been so arranged.
Believe me, with many heartfelt thanks,
Very truly yours,Ida Deering.
O—— W——, August 10, 19—.
Dear Miss Malvern:—
It is now three weeks since we arrived here, and we have enjoyed the change from town very much; the air is so bracing. Would you care to come down and spend a week with us? If so,it would give us much pleasure to see you. We shall be here at least a month longer, as far as I know at present. I can offer you a very comfortable room, and we have a fine view of the sea from our windows. Please remember me to your mother, and believe me,
Sincerely yours,Gertrude Read.
P——, August 12, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Read:—
How very kind of you to ask me to come and stay at your lovely place in O—— W——! I should like nothing better than to accept your tempting invitation; but am sorry to say at present I cannot leave home, as I have an invalid aunt requiring all my care. She has come up to town to consult a specialist. However, should you renew your invitation in about ten days' time, I might safely hope to have the pleasure of accepting it. With many thanks for thinking of me,
Believe me,Very truly yours,Ella Malvern.
L——, May 25, 19—.
My Dear Mrs. Darlington:—
I am very sorry to say we cannot have the pleasure of seeing you and Mr. Darlington at dinner to-morrow evening, on account of the death of my husband's sister, the sad news of which only reached us this morning.
With many regrets,
Believe me,Very sincerely yours,Emily Grace.
C——, February 14, 19—.
Dear Mr. Darwin:—
Circumstances over which I have absolutely no control oblige me to postpone my dance from the 2d to the 10th of February. I therefore renew my invitation for that date, and trust you will be able to accept it.
Sincerely yours,Eldrida Dunscombe.
M——, August 10, 19—.
Dear Mrs. West:—
To my deep regret, I have to ask you to postpone your visit to us for the present; but my little girl has been very ill the last two days, and this morning the doctor tells me that she has a slight attack of the measles.
It is very unfortunate, as we were looking forward to your visit with so much pleasurable anticipation. However, I trust it is only a deferred enjoyment, and that we may see you here before long.
Believe me, dear Mrs. West,Very sincerely yours,Emma Conover.
N——, January 20, 19—.
Dear Mrs. Hunt:—
I sincerely trust you will not pay yourself so bad a compliment as to imagine for a moment I am neglecting you when I say that I am prevented, to my great disappointment, from having the pleasure of dining with you this evening. I have caught a severe cold which obliges me to stay in-doors and take care of myself; my doctor even forbids my going to the office for an hour, so you will understand from this how genuine are these regrets. Am ever so sorry to be absent from such a pleasant party.
Believe me,Very truly yours,Barton D. Lowell.