to any of the anniversary
festivities.

Theater and Opera Parties.

These parties are frequently made up on rather short notice and the
invitations are then sent to the house by special messenger who awaits
the reply, which must be written at once, that the lady or gentleman
giving the entertainment may be sure of a certain number to fill the
box or stalls, engaged for the evening. Occasionally, when the party
is given by a gentleman, he takes a carriage and gives out the
invitations in person when a verbal answer is returned.

Luncheons and Suppers.

Invitations for these are written in the same form as for a dinner,
merely substituting the word "luncheon" or "supper" for "dinner," and
should be accepted or refused in precisely the same style. Answers
also should be sent with the same promptness that the hostess may be
certain of arranging her table satisfactorily.

Other Invitations.

Other invitations, aside from those already specified in this
department, scarcely demand an answer, except they bear the words:
"The favor of an answer is requested," or the initials, "R.S.V.P."
Simple "at home" affairs never need an answer, though cards must
always be sent, or left in person, immediately afterward. Garden
parties, where they are held at any distance from the city and
carriages are to be sent to convey the guests thither, always require
an answer; this, however, is usually indicated upon the card.

Refusing After Acceptance.

Should it unfortunately occur, after accepting an invitation, that, by
one of the sorrowful happenings so often marring our best laid plans,
we are prevented from fulfilling our promise, let the regret sent be
prompt, that your hostess, especially if the entertainment be a dinner
or luncheon may possibly, even at the eleventh hour, be able to supply
the vacancy. Make it explanatory as well, that she may feel positive
that no mere whim has caused the disarrangement of her plans.

What Not to Do.

Never write the word "accepts," "regrets" or "declines" upon your
visiting card and send in lieu of a written note. To do so is not only
an insult to your hostess but a mark as well of your own ill-breeding.
An invitation, which is always an honor and implies the best that your
host is able to offer, should always receive the courtesy of a civil
reply.

Etiquette of Courtship and Marriage

[Illustration]

"Courtship," according to Sterne, "consists in a number of quiet
a